Coronavirus: Oklahoma Schools Closed

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March 16, 2020

By News Director Jared Atha

The State Board of Education announced Monday plans to close all schools statewide until at least April 6 in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said the closure will begin Tuesday, March 17, however most school districts are already on spring break. She said state education officials will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation to determine if it’s necessary to extend the closure.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said the decision was not made lightly but is the right thing to do based on the current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The board unanimously approved the closer during an emergency meeting held Monday afternoon. During the meeting, Hofmeister did say that the board has the ability to meet and re-open Oklahoma schools before April 6 if the situation regarding the coronavirus changes.