ECSD NEWS RELEASE
March 18, 2020
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO REOPEN
STUDENTS REMAIN OUT OF SCHOOL UNTIL APRIL 15, 2020
In an effort to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered Florida District students to remain out of school until Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
On Monday, March 30, 2020, all district employees, with the exception of Transportation employees, will return to their regular work locations.
Hours of operation for the district from March 30, 2020, through April 15, 2020, will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Upon arrival, each employee must go directly to their office or classroom, taking care not to congregate in groups of ten (10) or more in any common area. Instructional personnel will be receiving training outlined in the district’s Instructional Continuity Plan. School District Transportation Department employees will receive communication from their immediate supervisors, with instructions on when and where to report to work accordingly.
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas states, “It is paramount that the continuity of instruction occurs quickly and efficiently for the students of Escambia County. Therefore, remote instruction to students will commence on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Parents and Guardians of students should expect to be contacted by teachers during the week of March 30, 2020, to discuss instructional continuity plans for their student.”
All state and district testing has been canceled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Due to the cancellation of state testing, no school grades will be issued by the State of Florida this year. All athletic contests, practices, and extra-curricular activities are also canceled for the remainder of the school year.
The school district will provide additional assistance to parents and students by utilizing dedicated employees to provide information about instructional resources.
Superintendent Thomas notes, “The district will make every effort to work with parents and employees experiencing hardship situations. In addition, if employees are experiencing symptoms of illness, have traveled out of the country, or been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, they need to remain at home and contact their immediate supervisors.”
Superintendent Thomas will be providing updates to families and staff by automated telephone messages. Parents and employees are encouraged to monitor district media sources, including the district website.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)