Florida Department of Education says all K-12 school campuses to stay closed through April 15

Jacksonville, FL — Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Florida Department of Education has rolled out additional guidance for the 2019-2020 school year.

Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran says this will include keeping all public and private K-12 and career and technical center campuses are closed through April 15. During this time, schools are encouraged to operate virtually or through other non-classroom-based means to the greatest extent possible.

Additionally, the FLDOE says school districts should be prepared to extend their educational calendars through June 30th.

"The containment of COVID-19 is essential, and this is not a decision we made lightly. Districts have taken action and have instituted distance learning as a necessary precaution to protect students, educators, families, and Florida's overall public health. We are are working with our local school districts to provide guidance and help children who need access to food during this time. Our number one priority is keeping our families safe and health and stopping the spread of this virus," says Corcoran.

The FLDOE says all remaining assessments for school readiness, voluntary pre-kindergarten, and K-12 assessments are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year. K-12 school grades will also not be calculated for this school year.

With school districts being encouraged to go virtual, the FLDOE is allowing districts to re-direct unspent Title 2 funds to help low-income students buy digital devices and establish Internet access.

As for all public and private state colleges and universities, their campuses and buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the spring semester. Like K-12 schools, colleges and universities are also being encouraged by the FLDOE to operate virtually and potentially be prepared to extend their educational calendars beyond June 30th.

In Northeast Florida, the FLDOE says Duval County is one of four school districts expected to begin distance learning education on Monday, March 23rd.

As for St. Johns County, Superintendent Tim Forson says all district employees will report to work on Monday, March 23rd, with students then slated to begin online learning on Monday, March 30th.

Meanwhile, Clay County District Schools says they plan to be ready to transition to online continuous learning for students starting the week of March 30th.