School canceled statewide until April 1 because of coronavirus, by order of Governor Cuomo

Students must learn online until then

Posted

School is out across the state through April 1, according to an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Monday night. 

At the end of March, state officials will consider whether to extend school closures and continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement. Districts that exceed the closure period without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule.

The action, the governor said, will ensure consistency in instruction across New York.

"The single most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to reduce close contacts, and that includes in our schools," Cuomo said

Every school district must submit a plan to ensure children of healthcare workers and first responders have access to childcare durign the closure period.

School districts must also develop develop plans for:

• Alternative instructional options, including distance learning.

• Dstribution and availability of meals.

• Daycare for all children.

Plans must be submitted to the State Education Department, which can amend or modify them in consultation with the State Department of Health and the Office of Children and Family Services at any time. 

School districts in Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk and the City of New York had to submit their plans to the state for approval last night.