Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced on Friday that he is working with the state Department of Health to mandate statewide closures of all public and private schools.
Evers said in a tweet, "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 to work to respond to and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin."
School closures must begin by Wednesday, March 18th and will run through at least April 6th.
Grantsburg Public Schools announced in a phone call to parents that school will be closed starting at 5:00 pm on Wednesday the 18th with an anticipated opening date of Monday, April 6th.
Superintendent Josh Watt said, "The health and safety of students, staff, and community is our top priority." He added that "the district has been planning on how to continue education for students in an online or hybrid format while fully realizing the educational, emotional, and social impact a long term closure with have on our students, parents, and families."
In Minnesota, Chisago Lake Schools will be closed on 3/16 and a two-hour late start 3/17. On their Facebook page, the district stated:
"School will be closed on Monday, 3/16/20 to allow for information gathering and creating a plan to be as prepared as we can be for students and staff to return. This closing includes Kids Club, the Wildcat Community Center, Morning Little Wildcats Preschool classes and all other programming.
Schools will start two-hours late on Tuesday, 3/17/20 to allow for communication of our planning with staff so that they can share with students. This planning time will also help us prepare for students and staff that may be returning from trips, those seeking medical attention, and those who have preexisting conditions that may necessitate additional planning and support. Morning Kids Club is canceled. Also canceled are the Morning Little Wildcats Preschool and morning ECFE classes. The Wildcat Community Center will open at 10 AM on 3/17."
