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PERRIS: ABIGAIL, THAT’S RIGHT. THAT’S THE EXACT QUESTION I HAD FOR THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT THIS AFTERNOON. SHE TOLD ME THEY APPLIED FOR A WAIVER TO ALLOW MEAL SERVICES TO CONTINUE. >> MISS MOINES. >> I. >> MISS WILLIAMS BRADLEY. >> I. >> MR. BOLLENBOCH. >> I. >> MISS HERNANDEZ. >> I. >> SUPERINTENDENT HOFMEISTER. >> I. >> ALRIGHT, THANK YOU. THAT MOTION CARRIES. PERRIS: AND JUST LIKE THAT, -- >> EFFECTIVE TOMORROW, MARCH 17 THROUGH APRIL 6, WE ARE CLOSING SCHOOLS. PERRIS: THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SAYS NOT ONLY ARE SCHOOLS CLOSED THERE WON’T BE --SCHOOLS CLOSED, BUT THERE WON’T BE ANY KIND OF INSTRUCTION, GRADING OR EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. >> BUT ESSENTIAL, CLERICAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, THOSE NUTRITIONAL SERVICES OR MAINTENANCE MAY CONTINUE. PERRIS: SUPERINTENDENT HOFMEISTER ALSO TELLS ME THEY’RE WORKING ON WAYS TO HELP LOWER INCOME STUDENTS WHO RELIED ON SCHOOL MEALS. >> THE WAIVER THAT WE WERE GRANTED ON SATURDAY MORNING ALLOWS FOR US TO HAVE THE KI OF FLEXIBILITY NEEDED IN SCHOOLS TO NOT SERVE ONLY MEALS IN A SCHOOL SITE BUT TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER THOSE MEALS OR TO HAVE MEALS TAKEN OFF SITE. PERRIS: SOME OF YOU MAY BE WONDERING, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TEACHERS? DO THEY GET PAID? I AM TOLD THAT WILL BE UP TO EACH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT ON WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE TEACHERS? . RIGHT NOW. , THOSE CLOSURES ARE THROUGH APRIL 6. THAT WILL DEPEND ON WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEXT FEW WE

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The Oklahoma State Board of Education on Monday authorized the closure of all Oklahoma schools beginning Tuesday and lasting until April 6 due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister called an emergency board of education meeting Monday. Hofmeister said the Oklahoma State Department of Education will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation with state health experts to determine if it will be necessary to extend the closure.All Oklahoma public schools, charter and virtual schools will be closed during this time. The board of education does not have jurisdiction over private schools. >> Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Latest local updates“Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of Oklahomans,” Hofmeister said in a news release. “It is critical that we do everything in our power to protect the health of our kids, their families, educators and all vulnerable populations. That need outweighs everything else. The OSDE has been working around the clock, and will continue to do so, to ease the burden of schools during this challenging time.”“This decision is not made lightly, but it is the right thing to do based on current guidance from the CDC,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “This closure will allow us time to further understand how COVID-19 is affecting Oklahoma and give students and staff a period of time to be protected from further community spread of the virus. We know closing schools has a significant impact on families, and we are committed to doing what we can to lessen that impact as we work to prioritize the health and safety of all Oklahomans.”Stitt on Sunday declared a state of emergency statewide due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Currently, there have been 10 confirmed cases in Oklahoma.The recommended board action on Monday will solely address the school closures, education officials said. Officials with the education department said they are already working to ensure school closure does not negatively impact schools and school employees, including issuing guidance on state assessments, school accountability and student attendance. Officials with the education department announced earlier on Monday that they have received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on two requested waivers allowing meal service to continue during possible school closures. Meals will be available at no cost to low-income children and are not required to be served in a group setting to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19. Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel released a statement:"Together, we are facing an unprecedented health crisis in our community. In our response to COVID-19, OKCPS and other districts must depend on the wisdom of our health experts and elected officials and lean on the resolve of our strong community. I am grateful for State Superintendent Hofmeister’s leadership during this crisis and for the State Board of Education’s action today. This will now allow OKCPS and other districts to remain closely aligned as we finalize our response. Tomorrow morning, our Board will come together to discuss next steps for OKCPS, and we look forward to sharing additional details with our families and staff in the coming days."