Governor orders public schools to close

By HILARY MATHESON

Daily Inter Lake

Gov. Steve Bullock directed Montana’s public K-12 schools to close Monday through March 27.

The announcement came Sunday as part of a set of directives aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing measures, and limiting visitation at nursing home facilities.

The decision is not in response to an outbreak in schools.

Six adults have tested presumptive positive in Montana. Two cases are in Missoula County, and there is one case in each of the following counties: Gallatin, Yellowstone, Silver Bow, and Broadwater.

Schools are making arrangements to provide free meals to students who need them and continue other necessary services in the event of a future or ongoing closure.

Schools will continue to receive state funding during the two-week closure.

“As governor, it is my top priority to protect the health and safety of Montanans, particularly our most vulnerable, at a time when we face the potential for extraordinary health risks from coronavirus in our state,” Bullock said in a press release. “Social distancing is one of the most important primary protective measures to flatten the curve of this virus. I cannot underscore the seriousness of following these measures to help our neighbors, friends, and families.”

The state will work with schools during this period to assess the situation and consider the next steps moving forward.

“I recognize that our schools often serve as a lifeline for families and that this decision is going to have disruption on Montanans over the coming weeks. I’m committed to working with schools, communities and public health to minimize the impact. I encourage businesses to do everything they can to support families as well,” Bullock said.

To mitigate the impact of school closures on families, Bullock encourages all employers to be generous with their employee sick and paid leave policies during this time.

Bullock strongly recommends the public limits all gatherings, especially those with more than 50 people, in every community across the state. He also recommends that individuals over the age of 60 or who are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions do not participate in gatherings of more than 20 people. He also recommends that parents should avoid, if possible, placing children for childcare with grandparents or individuals over the age of 60 or immunocompromised persons.

Visitation in Montana’s nursing homes is suspended except for certain compassionate care situations. People who meet the exception for visitation will undergo a screening to determine whether they have traveled in the last two weeks, are residing where community spread is occurring, or if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

The Office of Public Instruction (OPI), sent out a letter to superintendents regarding the directive:

“The OPI has been in communication with the Governor’s Office since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak encouraging the waiving of per-pupil-instruction hour requirements for school closures...

“The OPI continues to advocate for local control and will support districts knowing that each of you will implement this differently in your communities. Superintendent [Elsie] Arntzen will continue advocating for your schools at the state and federal level.

“The Superintendent appreciates that action has been taken to ensure that students, teachers, and communities remain safe and that schools will continue to receive funding. She looks forward to continuing to work with local communities and school leaders who are on the front line of these efforts, while also coordinating with her fellow state officials to provide support.”

The letter also provided a link the OPI’s website with information about COVID-19 as it relates to schools — http://opi.mt.gov/COVID-19-Information.

Following Bullock’s order, school districts such as Whitefish and Fair-Mont-Egan began notifying families that school would not be in session Monday and that staff would not be required to report to work with the exception of administrators and custodians. School buildings will remain open for staff needs. The school district plans to send out another update at 6 p.m. Monday.

Flathead Valley Community College also made the decision on Sunday to cancel classes for its Kalispell and Lincoln County campuses Monday through March 29.

The Early Childhood Center will also be closed, but campus offices will remain open.

Classes will resume March 30 through remote delivery.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.