The Des Moines School District is preparing for the coronavirus by educating students and ordering extra supplies. Night custodian Mike Everhart is busier than ever wiping down every surface multiple times a day. "We are certainly planning and preparing for (the coronavirus), because it could happen," said Diane Gladson, the health services supervisor. "We are trying to look at some long-term plans and what would happen if coronavirus would come to Des Moines Public Schools."Central Campus has recently canceled a spring break class trip to Italy, and Central Academy canceled one to Japan. Getting information out quickly online is also how school officials plan to update 33,000 students about what the district calls its Pandemic Response Plan."We are trying to get awareness out to our families and our staff to know that we are concerned and we're on top of it," Gladson said. School officials are staying in touch with the Polk County Health Department and the state Health Department daily.

The Des Moines School District is preparing for the coronavirus by educating students and ordering extra supplies.

Night custodian Mike Everhart is busier than ever wiping down every surface multiple times a day.

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"We are certainly planning and preparing for (the coronavirus), because it could happen," said Diane Gladson, the health services supervisor. "We are trying to look at some long-term plans and what would happen if coronavirus would come to Des Moines Public Schools."

Central Campus has recently canceled a spring break class trip to Italy, and Central Academy canceled one to Japan.

Getting information out quickly online is also how school officials plan to update 33,000 students about what the district calls its Pandemic Response Plan.

"We are trying to get awareness out to our families and our staff to know that we are concerned and we're on top of it," Gladson said.

School officials are staying in touch with the Polk County Health Department and the state Health Department daily.