On Monday, we reported that Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign an order to close all public/private schools for the remainder of the school year.

However per Jack Hall of the Radio Results Network (RRN), it is now confirmed that the governor has signed an executive order of ordering all K-12 public and private schools to be closed for the remainder of the school year due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The order will be in effect—unless necessary restrictions are lifted.

The facilities can be used by the employees of public schools to assist and oversee online learning, while also practicing social distancing.

“My number one priority right now is protecting Michigan families from the spread of COVID-19. For the sake of our students, their families, and the more than 100,000 teachers and staff in our state, I have made the difficult decision to close our school facilities for the remainder of the school year,” Governor Whitmer said via RRN.

“As a parent, I understand the challenge closing schools creates for parents and guardians across the state, which is why we are setting guidelines for schools to continue remote learning and ensuring parents have resources to continue their children’s education from the safety of their homes. There is no video chat or homework packet that can replace the value of a highly trained, experienced teacher working with students in a classroom, but we must continue to provide equitable educational opportunities for students during this public health crisis.”

Michigan school authorities are currently in development with a ‘Continuity of Learning Plan’ application that schools can apply for education. The applications are available for April 3.

School districts across the state will have accommodations to come up with a flexible, balanced calendar to end the 2019-20 school year or possibly begin the 2020-21 school year before Labor Day without seeking approval.

Teachers and employees will be paid for the remainder of the school year. A temporary certification will be made available for student teachers and current teachers can get their certifications renewed as well; they can be renewed even if they can’t meet all the requirements due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

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