Soft closures for all Idaho schools extended

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Idaho officials have extended the statewide school closure because of the coronavirus through the end of the academic year, or until social distancing requirements are lifted.

The Idaho State Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to extend school closures past the April 20 date for possible re-opening. Students will still be taught online.

Health officials say the number of people contracting the virus in Idaho is expected to peak in late April and early May.

The school closures are based on guidelines for social distancing set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You can watch a livestream of the special board meeting below.

Here is the Board motion, which was approved unanimously:

“I move to extend the soft closure to the end of each school districts and charter schools 2019-2020 academic school year or until such time as local and state social distancing orders have been lifted and re-entry criteria established by the Board have been met.”

Two weeks ago, the Board approved the statewide soft closure through April 20.

The guidance, which is in effect, directed districts and charters to provide three essential services:

• Provide food services to underserved populations and childcare for community members who provide critical services.
• Develop and implement plans for delivering remote or distance learning strategies (online, video, teleconference, and packets).
• Develop a plan to provide special education-related services.