KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson ordered public and charter schools in the state to close their buildings for the remainder of the school year.
Parson said schools should continue virtual learning until the last day of school as previously set on each district's academic calendar.
Nutrition and child care services also will be allowed to continue, Parson said during Thursday’s daily briefing.
The change in operations comes as Missouri increases its efforts to flatten the epidemic curve and prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Parson had a special message to students who are seniors this year, which includes his granddaughter.
He said he understood how hard the situation is for those students and voweed to work to make sure they are able to walk across a stage to receive their diploma.
Parson and his office worked with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on the decision.
Commissioner Margie Vandeven said the decision was not made lightly, but that it would "continue protecting the health and safety of our students and school staff members.”
Vandeven said her department is working to address additional questions related to the order.
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