Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Friday that schools across the state would remain closed through the end of the semester due to Iowa’s continued COVID-19 outbreak.The announcement came on the heels of Iowa’s largest one-day case increase. The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed an additional 191 positive COVID-19 cases and 4 deaths.Iowa schools first closed in March in hopes that they could reopen by the end of April.During her daily news conference, Reynolds said it is still too dangerous to bring kids back to class and that there is not enough time to safely reopen schools before the regular end of the school year.“I regret to say that Iowa schools will not reopen for this school year,” the governor said.Reynolds waived the requirement that schools must start no earlier than August 23. Schools must continue to teach online and submit what she calls a "return to learn plan" by July.The order also cancels springs sports at all schools.Iowa Department of Public Education Director Ann Lebo said she understands the impact school closures continue to have on students, parents and teachers.“These are extraordinary times for our teachers, administrators and staff who are transitioning to this new learning landscape, and for students who are transitioning, too,” Lebo said. “For the class of 2020, the senior year of high school is very different that previous classes have experienced. Unlike most high school seniors, the glass of 2020 likely will not go to prom, have a senior skip day or even a graduation ceremony, but despite all of this they remain focused on the future.”Despite the volume of missed school days, Iowa schools are not required to make up days lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.Roosevelt seniors adapt to online learningRAW: Gov. Reynolds closes Iowa schools for spring semester

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Friday that schools across the state would remain closed through the end of the semester due to Iowa’s continued COVID-19 outbreak.

The announcement came on the heels of Iowa’s largest one-day case increase. The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed an additional 191 positive COVID-19 cases and 4 deaths.


Iowa schools first closed in March in hopes that they could reopen by the end of April.

During her daily news conference, Reynolds said it is still too dangerous to bring kids back to class and that there is not enough time to safely reopen schools before the regular end of the school year.

“I regret to say that Iowa schools will not reopen for this school year,” the governor said.

Reynolds waived the requirement that schools must start no earlier than August 23. Schools must continue to teach online and submit what she calls a "return to learn plan" by July.

The order also cancels springs sports at all schools.

Iowa Department of Public Education Director Ann Lebo said she understands the impact school closures continue to have on students, parents and teachers.

“These are extraordinary times for our teachers, administrators and staff who are transitioning to this new learning landscape, and for students who are transitioning, too,” Lebo said. “For the class of 2020, the senior year of high school is very different that previous classes have experienced. Unlike most high school seniors, the glass of 2020 likely will not go to prom, have a senior skip day or even a graduation ceremony, but despite all of this they remain focused on the future.”

Despite the volume of missed school days, Iowa schools are not required to make up days lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roosevelt seniors adapt to online learning



RAW: Gov. Reynolds closes Iowa schools for spring semester