Kansas governor orders closure of all in-person K-12 schools through end of school year

In an unprecedented action to combat what she calls unprecedented circumstances, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is ordering the closure of all K-12 schools through the end of the school year. The announcement Tuesday is the latest step as government leaders address concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. "The reality of this pandemic is that it cannot be controlled statewide if school buildings return to normal operations," Kelly said. Kelly said closure can continue remotely, however, the state is working to determine how a continuous learning environment such as this would work. In ordering building closures, Kelly said once the buildings are sanitized, some may be allowed to reopen to small numbers of school personnel charged with implementing a plan for continuous learning. “Coronavirus has caused massive disruption in all of our lives. As Kansans we have always done what is necessary to protect our families, this moment is no different," Kelly said. Local superintendents were notified of the change Tuesday afternoon. Superintendents will begin working with staff and families on how to move forward after this announcement. So far, 17 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Kansas, with one fatality. An 18th case was diagnosed in Ford County, however, officials are not adding that individual to the total of state cases because the patient lives out of state. This story is developing. Refresh this page for updates.

In an unprecedented action to combat what she calls unprecedented circumstances, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is ordering the closure of all K-12 schools through the end of the school year.

The announcement Tuesday is the latest step as government leaders address concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The reality of this pandemic is that it cannot be controlled statewide if school buildings return to normal operations," Kelly said.

Kelly said closure can continue remotely, however, the state is working to determine how a continuous learning environment such as this would work.

In ordering building closures, Kelly said once the buildings are sanitized, some may be allowed to reopen to small numbers of school personnel charged with implementing a plan for continuous learning.

“Coronavirus has caused massive disruption in all of our lives. As Kansans we have always done what is necessary to protect our families, this moment is no different," Kelly said.

Local superintendents were notified of the change Tuesday afternoon. Superintendents will begin working with staff and families on how to move forward after this announcement.

So far, 17 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Kansas, with one fatality. An 18th case was diagnosed in Ford County, however, officials are not adding that individual to the total of state cases because the patient lives out of state.



This story is developing. Refresh this page for updates.