Gov. Brown extends statewide school closure to April 28

All regular employees to be paid during closure

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Kate Brown announced late Tuesday an extension of Oregon’s statewide school closure to a total of six weeks, until April 28, and also issued further guidance for Oregon’s public schools.

This follows on an initial two-week closure of Oregon's schools to end on March 31.

The orders, outlined in Executive Order 20-08, are as follows:

• Schools are to remain closed through Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
• Districts are to provide learning supports and supplemental services to students and families during the closure period, including meals and child care. This includes the delivery of food assistance and offering child care for essential health care professionals and first responders.
• School districts may call on public school educators and employees to deliver limited learning and support services.
• Each district will pay all their regular employees during the closure.
• The Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority, and Department of Human Services are directed to support public schools in the continuity of mental health services.

“I do not take the decision to extend school closures lightly,” Brown said. “This will have real impacts on Oregon’s students, parents, and educators. But we must act now to flatten the curve and slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Oregon, otherwise we face a higher strain on our medical system and greater loss of life to this disease.”

Governor Kate Brown today also signed the following executive orders that she announced yesterday:

• Executive Order 20-07: Prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink and gatherings of more than 25 people
• Executive Order 20-06: Declaration of Abnormal Disruption of the Market Due to COVID-19

All three executive orders take effect immediately.

A complete list of Governor's executive orders to date can be found here, and Governor Brown's news releases are posted here.

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Before the governor's announcement, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Shay Mikalson posted this update:

March 17, 2020
3:15 p.m. Update

RE: Updated social distancing requirements, Continuation of Learning plans, and more

Greetings Families,

I am deeply moved by your incredible support and patience as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 situation in Oregon. We are listening closely to our health partners and guidance from the Governor as we plan each step forward. The safety of our students, staff and community continues to be a primary focus for our teams.

As promised, I will continue to share updates.

Governor Announces New Social Distancing Order
Yesterday, March 16, Governor Kate Brown released a new executive order with guidelines for social distancing that prohibits all gatherings of more than 25 people and restricts restaurants and bars to offering only take-out and delivery service for at least the next four weeks. The restriction began today in Oregon. 

The Governor further suggested that individuals avoid any gathering with 10 or more individuals and urged all businesses to accommodate social distancing or consider closing.

Governor’s School Closure
The Governor’s statewide school closure remains in effect through March 31. That said, with this situation continuing to evolve and change by the day, and with her new executive order reducing the size of gatherings to no more than 25, we anticipate to receive new school guidance from the Governor within the next 24 hours that may extend our school closure beyond April 1.

Continuation of Learning Plan
While at this point in time the current school closure policy from the Governor remains in effect, given our anticipation of a potential extension, we want you to know that if an extended closure is mandated statewide:

• We are ready to implement a Continuation of Learning plan starting as soon as April 1;
• The plan will include a variety of strategies so that our students can continue learning and connect with their teachers and school staff;
• We will continue to rely on the guidance of Oregon public health authorities, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Governor.

Extending Grab and Go Meals
Thanks to the success of the ‘Grab and Go’ meal program that kicked off at five schools yesterday, we plan to extend free meals to students over Spring Break, March 23-27. These meals will be available at Bend Senior High School and La Pine High School. Grab and Go meals service will resume at all five school sites on Monday, March 30.

Stay Connected
Finally, you can find information about coronavirus COVID-19, resources and links to public health agencies by visiting www.bend.k12.or.us/covid-19.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time.  As always, we will continue to keep you as updated as possible with information and resources as they become available.

Best, 

Shay Mikalson,
Superintendent

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 Statement from OEA President John Larson on Governor Kate Brown’s New Guidance for Public Schools 

Portland, OR – Tonight, following the release of updated guidance on novel coronavirus from Gov. Kate Brown, Oregon Education Association President John Larson released the following statement:

“OEA supports Governor Brown’s decision to safeguard the health of students and educators by extending the closure period of Oregon’s public schools,” said OEA President John Larson. “We also commend the governor for her commitment to maintaining vital nutrition and mental health services for our students, and for directing districts to ensure all school employees are paid during these closures.”