Pennsylvania governor orders all schools closed for 2 weeks

Governor Tom Wolf on Friday announced that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for the next two weeks effective Monday, March 16.

The administration said it will continue to monitor Covid-19 in the commonwealth, and at the end of 10 days decide whether continued closure is needed.

“First and foremost, my top priority as governor – and that of our education leaders – must be to ensure the health and safety of our students and school communities,” Gov. Wolf said. “Be aware that no school district will be penalized if it fails to meet the 180 day or school hours requirements. Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today that it received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow eligible schools to serve meals to low income students in a non-congregate setting, such as a drive-through or grab and go, during this closure”

New Hope-Solebury Superintendent of Schools Charles Lentz said Friday that the impact of yesterday’s mass closings in Montgomery County has made it difficult for New Hope-Solebury staff members living there to come to work.

“New Hope-Solebury will cease providing all services to all children/students effective today,” he said. “This includes all special education and related services. All meetings, activities, athletics, and related school events are postponed and subject to reschedule or cancelation. No community use of the school facilities will be permitted during this time. No transportation will be provided. No before or after school childcare will be offered. Everything, in short, is cancelled or postponed.”

“Please trust that the New Hope-Solebury is doing our best to keep everyone informed as new and additional information is received,” Lentz added.

Beginning Monday, NH-S will offer optional, non-graded learning opportunities for students online.

All Hunterdon County schools will also close as of Monday, with online instruction available beginning Tuesday.