CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State School Superintendent Clayton Burch said he expects schools to be fully staffed during the coronavirus closure period.
Gov. Jim Justice announced Friday the closure of all schools beginning Monday. Burch said that closure is for students.
“Schools are closed for students. We’re asking that all teachers, staff, service personnel, they are to report to school,” Burch told MetroNews Friday evening.
He said from speaking from state health officials, including state Health Officer Dr. Cathy Slemp, they believe it will be safe for school workers to be in the buildings.
“We feel that as long as we practice good hygiene, social distancing, our schools are really safe environments for our teachers and staff to continue working and support kids,” Burch said.
West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee said earlier Friday that teachers would do what they do best.
“We’ll make sure our kids are fed. We’re make sure they’re taken care of. We’ll pitch in where we need to pitch in and do the things that are students need,” Lee said.
Counties were busy making plans Friday after the governor’s announcement. Burch said they’ve done a good job coming up with a food component to make sure students are fed. He said some counties were still working on the academic side.
Burch said he’s hopeful West Virginia teachers can follow the lead of their fellow teachers in Kentucky that have been also been hit with a school closure situation.
“Kentucky teachers are there, every day, they’re on the phone supporting children via telephone, live-streaming, preparing lessons,” Burch said.
He said West Virginia schools are also in a better position for a situation like this after teachers, Go. Justice and state lawmakers agreed last year on $30 million in new funding for social support.
“We have a large workforce out there that can continue services to these families social, emotional and mental needs,” Burch said.