PHOENIX — Almost all of the schools around the Valley have announced they will be closing campuses amid concerns around coronavirus.
FULL COVERAGE: Coronavirus news, prevention tips, more
Most districts also now have dedicated spaces on their websites with continuous updates on coronavirus and their efforts to keep students safe. See a map of locations and the full list of closures below.
Peoria Unified is the largest district left that has NOT announced extended closures. Peoria Unified is on Spring Break March 16-22.
This message can be found on its website:
The Peoria Unified Governing Board will hold a Special Board Meeting at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 in the District Administration Center, 6330 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale.
The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to discuss matters related to COVID-19 and its potential impact on our district. The Board will also discuss and consider action to delegate authority to open and close schools to the Superintendent and/or Deputy Superintendent in the event that it is needed.
It is important to note that the District is currently on Spring Break and has NOT made any decisions to close school following the break.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT HAVE ANNOUNCED CLOSURES:
ARIZONA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
The Arizona Education Association is calling for students to remain home from school until education leaders and state policymakers can present a detailed plan of support that assures students will be returning to safe classrooms and healthy school sites. AEA President Joe Thomas sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey calling on him to "exercise all the powers of his office including convening the legislature in Special Session to swiftly and directly address this unanticipated crisis. We also call on the Governor to arrange for a meeting of state education and health leaders to work collectively to ensure the safety of Arizona families."
Read the full statement here.
EVIT (EAST VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY)
The East Valley Institute of Technology will be closed until further notice beginning Monday, March 16. The school released the following statement:
We did not make this decision or our original decision to stay open lightly. We are making decisions we believe to be in the best interests of our students, staff and families based on the information available to us at the time from health officials and the schools we serve. The nature of this situation is such that circumstances are constantly changing. In the past 24 hours, several more of our sending school districts who told us Friday they would be open, have since decided to close; other districts are still on Spring Break this week. We are also aware of and sensitive to the concerns of our employees, students and families who have underlying health conditions or loved ones at home who are particularly vulnerable.
This closure also includes:
Cancellation of all public tours until further notice
Closure of Bistro 13 until further notice
Review of pending trips for student organizations for possible cancellation
Review of all banquets and events currently scheduled in the EVIT Culinary Arts Banquet Hall for possible cancellation
ST. MARY-BASHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
On Sunday, officials with St. Mary-Basha Catholic School announced it will close temporarily from March 17-20. The school says it is continuing to work with the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office in making the best choice for the school community. Principal Tiffany Seybert released the following statement, "After an appeal process to the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office and the Bishop's Office, we have been granted a temporary closure of our school."
ROOSEVELT SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Roosevelt School District will be closed until further notice beginning Monday, March 16. In a statement from the Roosevelt School District Governing Board, officials said after careful consideration the decision was made to close all schools in the district in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This school closure will be in effect for a minimum of one week.
BUCKEYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Buckeye Elementary School District Governing Board held an emergency meeting Saturday afternoon. They voted to extend Spring Break one week (March 16-20) for students, citing concern for staff and student safety. See their full statement below.
Good Afternoon, The Buckeye Elementary School District Governing Board held an emergency meeting this afternoon in response to community concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. At the meeting, the Governing Board voted to extend the break one week (March 16-20) for students, citing concern for staff and student safety. Another board meeting will be scheduled in the coming week to review additional information and determine next steps. Please stay tuned for additional information.
BUCKEYE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Buckeye Union High School District held an emergency meeting on Saturday and voted to close the District's schools until further notice.
Read the full statement here.
CAVE CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 93
In a statement posted to its website on Saturday, Cave Creek Unified School District No. 93 announced that it would close all of its schools because of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning on Monday, March 16. The closure will last through Friday, March 27.
Here is part of the district's statement. You can read the full statement, here.
After carefully monitoring the most recent information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and after meeting with CCUSD Leadership as well as considering parent and staff input, we have decided to close all Cave Creek Unified schools to students and the public, effective Monday, March 16, 2020. This includes before and after school care (Kids Club), all enrichment classes and Spring Break Camp. At this time, this closure will remain in effect through Friday, March 27th, which is the end of our Spring Break.
MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Mesa Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Pete Lesar announced late Saturday evening on the district's website that schools would not open on Monday, March 16 and that it was not known how long schools would be closed. However, school-based and district-based employees should report to work on Monday to check in with their principals or supervisors.
Here is part of the district's statement. You can read the full statement here.
As promised, district leadership and the Governing Board have continued to monitor the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. As new information has been received, we have carefully studied it to determine if it would cause us to change our course of action. We have listened to and considered feedback from a variety of sources. As a result, district schools will not open on Monday, March 16.
At this time, we do not know how long students will not be reporting to school. We will keep you updated as the situation continues to unfold. Please know that we are doing our very best to make decisions that will help care for all of us during this time.
We are currently solidifying alternative methods of providing access to learning resources and as many other services as possible during the time that students are not reporting to school.
DYSART UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Dysart Unified School District announced Saturday that its schools will be closed until April 3. The district released a statement online, which reads in part:
"In the best interest of the general community, and after careful consideration of the health and safety of our students, families and staff, the Dysart Unified School District is closing all schools and programs through April 3, 2020 and asking families to keep students at home. While the district is currently on Spring Break for the upcoming week, the closure will extend through April 3 and includes suspending all classes, activities and events, including athletics, Community Education Spring Camp, Den Club before and after school care, and all preschools, including Growing Minds Preschool. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and expect to have further guidance from state officials soon."
GEORGE GERVIN PREP ACADEMY
George Gervin Prep Academy in Phoenix announced its school will be closed until further notice starting March 16. The school released a statement online, which reads in part:
"After careful consideration, George Gervin Prep Academy will be closed to students until further notice beginning March 16, 2020, in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community. During this time, our school leadership will continue to stay updated on the COVID-19 situation in our county, state, and nation."
NOAH WEBSTER CHARTER SCHOOLS:
Noah Webster Schools campuses in Mesa and Scottsdale will be closed effective Monday, March 16, for the two-week period of March 16-March 27 to support the effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and anticipate reopening Monday, March 30.
FOWLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fowler Elementary School District announced Saturday that it will be closed from Monday, March 16t through Friday, March 27. More information will be available later Saturday on their website.
J.O. COMBS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - SAN TAN VALLEY
Given the feelings expressed by our community, as of Saturday, March 14, 2020, the J.O. Combs Unified School District will extend Spring Break through March 20, at a minimum. Any decision to extend beyond that date will be communicated to families and staff no later than Friday, March 20.
The closure of our schools may create hardship for some of our students, families and staff. District administration will continue to develop plans to address issues that may negatively impact our students, families and staff. As decisions are made and plans developed, this information will be shared with our community.
Please know the original decision was not reached lightly. We have participated in ongoing discussions, extensive meetings, and phone conferences regarding a variety of factors in consultation with experts. It was shared with the District and other school leaders in the state, by state and county health officials, that school closures could potentially lead to an increase of COVID-19 in community spread if students were to be placed in a different congregate area outside of their regular communities for childcare purposes. Importantly, when community spread is minimal, keeping our schools open also provides children with a regular routine that helps reduce panic and fear.
As a reminder, the J.O. Combs Unified School District will also begin implementing the following actions immediately:
The district is suspending all high school and middle-level athletic games, arts performances and events, as well as assemblies, through April 1 to reduce social interactions.
All district-sponsored student or staff travel (in and out-of-state), including field trips, is suspended until further notice.
Outside rentals of school facilities and sites will be suspended through April 1.
As additional developments with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) take place, the J.O. Combs Unified School District will continue to communicate these developments with families as promptly as possible.
For additional information about COVID-19, and the most current updates regarding the virus, please visit the CDC COVID-19 summary page, or the Arizona Department of Health Services COVID response."
For the most recent updates, frequently asked questions, and additional information and resources, please visit www.jocombs.org/coronavirus/.
IMAGINE SCHOOLS
Imagine Schools released the following information Saturday via social media that shows they will remain closed March 16-20.
March 14, 2020
Dear Imagine Families:
We are writing to provide an update to you regarding the COVID-19 situation. After careful consideration, Imagine Schools-AZ will be extending spring break through next week, March 16-20. All classes and school-related activities including after-care, sports, etc. will be cancelled. We will continue to monitor the situation, and potentially extend the closure beyond next week. As we have previously shared, Imagine Schools has been in close contact with state and county health officials regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are no cases of COVID-19 within Imagine Schools. However, with the Friday declaration of a national emergency, and with the health and safety of our students and staff in mind, Imagine Schools-Arizona has made the decision to close school the week of March 16-20, and possibly longer.
We will be developing guidance for schools to ensure the continuity of education and important student services during this extended leave, where possible. We will provide you with multiple updates during the closure via email and through campus and regional websites and the phone-blast system.
Parents, if it is necessary to pick up any essential student items from school such as student medication, school offices will be open from 8:00-12:00 on Monday, March 16th.
Please be assured that the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. As the details around COVID-19 are rapidly changing, please refer to the CDC and the local Department of Health websites for the most up-to-date information: • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Maricopa County Department of Public Health · Pinal County Public Health Department
Thank you for your support and understanding as we work through this process together.
Sincerely,
Mr. Monte Lange Dr. Bradford Uchacz
Executive Vice President Executive Vice President
Imagine Schools Imagine Schools
BLUE RIDGE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
*UPDATED* 5:00PM 3/14/2020
Dear Parents/guardians of Blue Ridge students:
Organizations across Arizona, including schools, are closing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Despite the current schedule calling for classes to resume Monday, March 23, 2020, *the District is considering remaining closed until such time it is safe to resume school operations, and to reduce community spread of the virus.
Many families depend on schools to provide supervision for their children. Therefore, we are providing advanced notice to allow necessary arrangements to ensure children are appropriately supported and supervised.
Lastly, we are working to develop ways to safely distribute food to all students qualifying for free and reduced meals. We anticipate staging operations at Blue Ridge Elementary as a distribution point and are working through the logistics and safety measures associated with such an effort. Furthermore, we are contemplating steps to ensure students requiring special education services are supported. The District will provide additional information as it is made available in connection to extended school closures and community supports.
Thank you for your consideration and patience.
Respectfully,
Dr. Mike Wright
PENDERGAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Pendergast Elementary School District announced Friday that it would be closing schools starting March 16 with no estimated date of reopening. The district released the following statement Friday:
Pendergast Elementary School District has been closely monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 virus and the advice from County, State, and Federal health and education officials daily. We have followed all recommended guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus and its impact on our schools. After careful consideration, Pendergast Elementary School District has decided to close in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all Pendergast schools and departments will be closed until further notice. This includes after school clubs, athletics, before and after school programs (extended day) and all school functions, as well as all community use of facilities.
This decision has not been made lightly and we appreciate your cooperation in this challenging situation. We are working on plans to provide meals to students in need during the school closure and to identify ways to provide supplemental remote learning opportunities. Further details are forthcoming via email and on our website.
At this time we have no known cases of COVID-19 with students or staff, and this decision is simply a precaution to ensure the health and well-being of all of our students and employees. The district wanted to provide you with time to find childcare arrangements and to safely take care of your families at home.
We are in the process of developing detailed plans to address important items that families need to know, and will be updating you very soon through our school and district websites located at www.pesd92.org, School Messenger, and Class Dojo communication systems.
According to the experts, the best advice to stop the spread and stay healthy is to use preventative and proper hygiene methods including washing hands, staying away from people who are ill, and avoiding crowded places. There are excellent informational resources at the Maricopa County Health Department at www.azdhs.gov and the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. As a reminder, please do not send your children to school on Monday.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our decision to be proactive in closing our schools.
LITCHFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Litchfield Elementary School District announced Friday that it would close schools starting Monday, March 16 with no estimated date of reopening. The district released the following statement Friday:
Litchfield Elementary School District has been closely monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 virus and the advice from County, State, and Federal health and education officials daily. We have followed all recommended guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus and its impact on our schools. After careful consideration, Litchfield Elementary School District has decided to close in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all Litchfield schools and departments will be closed until further notice. This includes after school clubs, athletics, before and after school programs (extended day) and all school functions, as well as all community use of facilities.
This decision has not been made lightly and we appreciate your cooperation in this challenging situation. We are working on plans to provide meals to students in need during the school closure and to identify ways to provide supplemental remote learning opportunities. Further details are forthcoming via email and on our website.
Litchfield Elementary School District has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students and staff and a commitment to quality education. We will reopen when we are confident we can ensure a safe learning environment.
We will keep you updated with any developments that could impact our families or schools. Our website will remain your official source for information.
LITTLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Littleton Elementary School District announced Friday that it would remain closed March 16-20 with the hope of returning March 23. The district released the following letter to families involved:
This has been a trying time for our Littleton Elementary families and employees, as well as families all over the globe. The information and guidance regarding the COVID-19 virus has been changing daily. Tonight, after careful consideration, the Littleton Elementary Governing Board, made the decision to close all Littleton schools in order to help monitor the spread of COVID-19. We were fortunate to have had Spring Break this week for people to be away from schools, but the Board thought it prudent to extend the break to the two-week period recommended for self-isolation.
I want to assure all families and staff that every decision, from preventative measures like deep cleaning of our campuses, to this decision to close our schools, has been made only after thoughtful consideration of the facts and the potential impact on our community. Ensuring student and staff safety is always at the center of every decision we make.
All Littleton Elementary schools will remain closed Monday - Friday, March 16-20th. Students WILL NOT return to school after SPRING BREAK, but rather WILL RETURN Monday March 23rd.
You can expect communication through Facebook, Twitter, Remind, our websites and automated phone calls in the days to come. The Governing Board and I, along with the rest of Littleton Elementary School District staff, are passionate about providing a safe learning environment for our school community. Thank you for your continued care, kindness, and support as we work through this unprecedented time. Littleton leads in caring. Be Well, Take Care and Be Safe.
BALSZ SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Balsz School District says it will be closed to students from March 16-20. It released the following statement Friday to families involved:
Yesterday, Balsz School District sent out communication to staff and families regarding the status of our schools and district. We recently learned that Phoenix Union High School District is closing their schools for a week, and other neighboring districts are closing their schools. In consultation with our governing board, for the safety of our students, and for the consistency of our families, many of whom attend Phoenix Union, Balsz School District has decided at this time that it is necessary to CLOSE schools for students for at least one week, March 16-20, 2020. Please be aware that school closures may last well beyond one week.
For all Balsz District Staff, the week of March 16-20 will be a work week as we prepare for a possible long-term closure. We will update staff daily, as this could change. Of course, if employees are sick or unable to come in, employees are to follow normal absence reporting procedures. Within the next few days, Balsz School District will release comprehensive plans for staff, students, and families, which will include details about possible access to online learning, available resources, and expectations for staff throughout the closure. We urge you to continue to monitor our website, social media pages, emails, texts, and phone calls for up to date information."
SCOTTSDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Scottsdale Unified School District said in a release Friday: "All Scottsdale Unified schools are closed students and the public effective Monday, March 16. This closure will remain in effect through at least Friday, March 27. Click here for more information."
HORIZON HONORS SCHOOLS
According to a release from the Horizon Honors Schools, the campus is now closed off until March 20th because on ongoing concerns about the coronavirus. Details and additional updates can be found here.
CREIGHTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
In a statement posted on its website, Creighton School District announced that its schools would remain closed for one week after spring break.
Here is the district's statement:
Thank you for your continued support and trust as our District works collaboratively with internal and external partners to make wise, informed decisions, on behalf of our community, related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
We continue to be in close communication with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and are monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other Government Agencies to stay on top of this evolving situation. At this time, there are still no known cases of COVID-19 in our school district, but with the uncertainty of the situation, we believe it to be in the best interest of our community and families to close schools for at least one week following Spring Break.
Creighton School District will be releasing a developing plan for staff, students, and families, which will include details about access to student meals, possible remote learning opportunities, and expectations for staff throughout the closure.
Please understand that this decision is not made lightly, it is made with the safety and wellbeing of our children, staff and community in mind. Creighton Schools will reopen when we are confident we can ensure a safe learning environment.
GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Gilbert Public Schools announced that all of its schools would be closed on Tuesday, March 17 and would remain closed "until further notice."
Here is the district's full statement:
This is a challenging time for our families, staff, and community. As you know, we have been actively monitoring COVID-19 (coronavirus), liaising with County, State, and Federal health officials, and following recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We are grateful for the ongoing support and patience of our GPS community as we work to make decisions that are best for our students, staff, and families.
As a district, our top priority continues to be the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. Although no cases of COVID-19 have been reported in our school district, we feel the appropriate measure to take is to close our schools. Therefore, as of Tuesday, March 17, all GPS schools will be closed until further notice to support statewide and national efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to actively communicate with our parents and families and staff via text, email and our website www.gilbertschools.net/alerts.
Please be assured, we have been preparing for this possibility and continue to develop contingency plans as the situation evolves, with the goal of meeting the needs of our students and community. During the time that schools are closed all athletic games, practices, performing arts events, school events, field trips, preschool, before and after school care, and facility rentals will be canceled. As the situation evolves we will continue to monitor this closely. Transportation for EVIT students will continue as long as EVIT remains open.
Please note, details about food provisions and other updates including potential online learning opportunities will be coming in subsequent communication and will be provided on our website, along with up to date information and answers to frequently asked questions, www.gilbertschools.net/alerts.
We appreciate the support of our families and community as we remain committed to the health and safety of our students, families, and the wider community.
PHOENIX UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
On Friday, the Phoenix Union High School District announced that it will be closing all of its schools from at least March 16 to March 21.
See the district's full statement below:
Thank you for your continued support and trust as our District works collaboratively with internal and external partners to make wise, informed decisions, on behalf of our community, related to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Yesterday, PXU released a statement and video outlining our action steps taken to date, as well as our planning for possible school closures. At that time, we shared that, despite the impact that school closures have on employees, students, families, communities, and the greater economy, closing schools may become inevitable. Based on new information received over the past 24 hours, Phoenix Union has decided that it is necessary to close schools for students for at least one week. Please be aware that school closures could extend far beyond one week. For all Phoenix Union staff, the week of March 16 will be a work week as we prepare for a possible long-term closure. Of course, if employees are sick or unable to come in, employees are to follow normal absence reporting procedures.
Within the next 24 hours, Phoenix Union will release comprehensive plans for staff, students, and families, which will include details about food distribution, access to online learning, expectations for staff throughout the closure.
LITCHFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Litchfield Elementary School District announced Friday that its schools will close starting Monday until further notice.
The district's full statement can be seen below:
Litchfield Elementary School District has been closely monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 virus and the advice from County, State, and Federal health and education officials daily. We have followed all recommended guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus and its impact on our schools. After careful consideration, Litchfield Elementary School District has decided to close in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all Litchfield schools and departments will be closed until further notice. This includes after school clubs, athletics, before and after school programs (extended day) and all school functions, as well as all community use of facilities.
This decision has not been made lightly and we appreciate your cooperation in this challenging situation. We are working on plans to provide meals to students in need during the school closure and to identify ways to provide supplemental remote learning opportunities. Further details are forthcoming via email and on our website.
Litchfield Elementary School District has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students and staff and a commitment to quality education. We will reopen when we are confident we can ensure a safe learning environment.
We will keep you updated with any developments that could impact our families or schools. Our website will remain your official source for information.
TOLLESON UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Officials with the Tolleson Union High School District announced that all of the district's schools will be closed from March 16 to March 27.
ISAAC SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Isaac School District announced on Friday afternoon that all of its schools would be closed for the next two weeks, from Monday, March 16 until Monday, March 30.
"During this time, all activities will also be suspended, including athletic and after school events. We understand the inconvenience this will cause, however, we stand with peer districts and state officials in our commitment to stop the spread of the virus," the district said in a statement.
The Heart of Isaac Community Center will remain open and breakfast and lunch will be served to all children 18 and younger during the closure, the district said. Read statement.
ROOSEVELT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 66
All schools within the Roosevelt School District No. 66 would be closed on Monday, March 16, and would remain closed for at least a week, according to a statement posted on the district's Facebook page.
All schools within the Roosevelt School District No. 66 would be closed on Monday, March 16, and would remain closed for at least a week, according to a statement posted on the district's Facebook page.
"We have been monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 and evidence is mounting that social distancing is the most successful containment strategy. I want to assure all families and staff that this decision was made only after thoughtful consideration of the facts and the potential impact on our community. As you know from our previous communication, we have been engaged in conversation with both County and State health and education officials and have followed all guidelines for preventing the spread of disease.
However, I believe the time has now come for an important shift, therefore all Roosevelt schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16 until further notice. This school closure will be in effect for a minimum of one week," said Superintendent Dr. Quintin Boyce in a statement.
AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
School is expected to resume on March 23, but that is subject to change as events unfold. As part of the extension of Spring Break, all student activities (e.g., student trips, athletic events/practices, and extracurricular events/practices, etc.) will also be postponed or canceled. There will be no activities on any ALA campuses.
GREAT HEARTS ACADEMIES
There will be no regular school or after-school activities during the week of March 16, 2020.
TEMPE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
TUHSD announced Friday they will be closing schools beginning Monday, March 16. "All school activities, athletics, and events will be cancelled until further notice."
MADISON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Spring Break will be extended and school will be closed indefinitely due to coronavirus. Read the full statement on their website.
TEMPE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 3
All Tempe Elementary schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. Students will not return to school after Spring Break until further notice.
A letter from Superintendent Christine Busch reads in part: "I want to assure all families and staff that every decision, from preventative measures like deep cleaning of our campuses, to this decision to close our schools, has been made only after thoughtful consideration of the facts and the potential impact on our community. Ensuring student and staff safety is always at the center of every decision we make in TD3, and this decision has been made with the well being of our students, staff and community in mind."
OSBORN SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Osborn School District in Phoenix has decided to close all its schools starting Monday, March 16 for a minimum of two weeks, until further notice.
A letter was sent out to parents from Superintendent Michael Robert, saying:
"Although Osborn School District might be one of the first school districts in the state of Arizona to close due to this virus, other states across the nation have opted to temporarily close their schools. It is not a matter of if this virus will spread, it’s a matter of when, and we wanted to take proactive measure to ensure our families remain healthy."
The district will be offering food service to students starting Tuesday, locations and times are not yet known.
KYRENE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Kyrene School District in Tempe will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17, through "at least" Friday, March 20.
Jan Vesely, Kyrene School District Superintendent, said in a statement:
After careful consideration, in consultation with the Kyrene Governing Board, I have made the decision to close all Kyrene schools in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The Kyrene Emergency Management Team has been monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 for weeks, and evidence is mounting that social distancing is the most successful containment strategy. By the time a member of our Kyrene community is diagnosed with COVID-19, it could be too late to stop the spread. I want to assure all families and staff that every decision, from preventative measures like deep cleaning of our campuses to this ultimate decision to close our schools, has been made only after thoughtful consideration of the facts and the potential impact on our community. We often say that student and staff safety is our top priority, and never has that been more true than in this moment.
The Kyrene School District has 25 locations in Arizona.
CARTWRIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Cartwright School District in Phoenix has closed all of its schools until further notice, starting Monday.
At Cartwright, we have always touted the importance of staff and student safety. These are unprecedented times, and while monitoring national efforts to curb COVID-19, we have decided to close all Cartwright schools until further notice. We want to give our families as much time as possible to make child-care arrangements. We understand this will cause great inconvenience but we stand with health officials in our commitment to stop the coronavirus spread. We believe this proactive measure will keep our families safe.
As you already know, during spring break we are disinfecting all schools and district facilities and we will continue to use sanitary methods to keep our school community safe. While we work on a more detailed plan to keep everyone safe and informed, please continue to monitor our website csd83.org for alerts and our social media channels for updated information. As always, we will continue to update you via our telephone and email notification systems as well.
Again, please do not send your children to school on Monday. Be cautious and stay safe. -Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor.
There are 21 schools in the district that serves around 17,000 students, according to their website.
ALHAMBRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Alhambra Elementary School District in Phoenix is closing all of its schools until further notice starting Monday.
District Director of Communications, Linda Jeffries, said that while they do not have any known cases of the virus with students or staff, they are shutting down as a precautionary measure to help protect students and staff.
Alhambra was the first district in the Valley to close due to the virus. Several other states across the nation have opted to also temporarily close their schools, some on statewide levels for as long as multiple weeks.
"Alhambra is in the process of developing a more detailed plan of how long schools will remain closed and other important questions parents might have, and we will continue to keep parents notified daily through our telephone notification system, district and school websites, and social media," Jeffries said in her Thursday statement.
The district covers 14 schools in parts of Phoenix and Glendale, and has more than 13,000 students.
