MABANK, Texas — The SkillsUSA Texas Board of Directors has decided to cancel their 2020 Skills USA Texas Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled here in Corpus Christi from April 2-5.

More than 8,000 participants and volunteers were expected to participate in the conference, according to the organization's executive director, Janet Conner.

"While this is an unprecedented event, please know that the SkillsUSA Texas Board of Directors did not take this decision lightly," a release said. "The health and safety of our students, advisors, employees, and volunteers was at the heart of our decision.

"Our conference would involve the travel of over 8,000 participants and volunteers from across Texas to gather in close proximity in Corpus Christi, We feel that with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, cities throughout the State Of Texas declaring a state of emergency and the fact that many school districts are closing over the conference dates with travel being banned for students and advisors indefinitely, canceling the event is the most responsible course of action."

