March 16, 2020 at 3:51 p.m.
Jacobi: SDR was ready for governor's directive to close schools
Jacobi: SDR was ready for governor's directive to close schools
"Closing our schools is not a decision I made lightly, but keeping our kids, our educators, our families, and our communities safe is a top priority as we continue our work to respond to and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin," Evers said in the release.
According to superintendent Kelli Jacobi, School District of Rhinelander administrators were prepared for the order.
"We started looking at it and getting some preliminary planning done when other states started to do it (shut down due to the COVID-19)," Jacobi said. "So I was not surprised."
At both the state and district level, the problem of how to feed those students from low income families is still being discussed.
"Kids and families across Wisconsin often depend on our schools to access food and care," according to the governor's press release. "We are going to continue working to do everything we can to ensure kids and families have the resources and support they need while schools are closed."
"We're also waiting on information, and hopefully help, from the state level on how to manage the food service program to make sure that we're meeting the needs of students that deal with food insecurity issues. Those are all issues that we are working on," Jacobi said.
There is also the question of whether the extended spring break have to be made up.
"They have not said one thing either way," Jacobi said.
Although the district is on spring break this week, Jacobi noted that she and most of her administrative team will be working. She said the administrators will be working on additional strategies to deal with an extension of the closure or having to extend the school year. She said announcements will be made as necessary.
"We will be putting together the plan, including getting kids meals," Jacobi said.
According to the DHS website, as of Sunday evening, 345 people had been tested, with 33 people positive for COVID-19, one of whom has recovered.
On March 12, the governor signed an executive order that directs DHS to take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent and respond to incidences of COVID-19, the press release said.
"This allows the Department to purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or other health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency. It also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs related to isolation and quarantine, as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.
Decisions about the implementation of other community measures will be made by state and local officials based on Centers of Disease Control and DHS guidance, as well as the scope of the outbreak, the release said.
On Sunday evening, the CDC recommended that all gatherings of 50 or more people be canceled for the next 8 weeks as a means to minimize the spread of the virus.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at jamie@rivernews online.com.
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