Oklahoma State Board of Education to vote on distance learning, school building closures for remainder of school year
In an effort to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Board of Education is voting this Wednesday on whether all Oklahoma school buildings will remain closed for the rest of the school year and if students will resume with distant learning methods on April 6.
“We recognize this reality will present challenges for many families and districts, but these are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures,” State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. “This coordinated, swift and thoughtful action will help safeguard the health and well-being of our communities, students and professionals in public schools. We must do absolutely everything in our power to reduce transmission of coronavirus.”
In the event of school building closures for the remainder of the school year, Broken Arrow Public Schools administrators have begun working on a continuous learning plan and will “virtually” resume coursework on April 6, as mandated by the state.
“I know this is not an easy decision for our state leaders, but a necessary decision that will keep our students and staff safe,” Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Janet Dunlop said. “This is an unpreceded time for school districts. We know nothing will ever be able to replace in-person instruction, but we are confident our creative educators and administrators will do everything in their power to continue connecting with Broken Arrow students in new, innovative ways.”
The State Board is poised to take action on a host of waivers – ranging from school calendars to loosening current restrictions on funds – aimed at giving districts greater flexibility to respond to the needs of their students and communities.
Hofmeister also said the Oklahoma State Department of Education will offer resources and guidance for districts to pursue distance learning. In addition, the agency is exploring how federal assistance could bolster digital connectivity for some districts. OETA, Oklahoma’s educational public TV network, will also provide help by broadcasting instructional daytime programming for the state’s students in grades Pre-K through 12.
“We are determined to support our Pre-K through high school students as well as English learners, special education students and those who need reinforced skills or additional enrichment,” Hofmeister said. “ There will be a wide range of approaches, and it will be far from ideal, but necessary as we embrace these changes and even sacrifice to protect the public health of our communities.”
Dunlop agreed with Hofmeister’s sentiments.
“I know this is a tough time for our community, state and nation,” Dunlop said. “There are a lot of unknowns right now, but one thing is for certain – we will get through this together, as a Broken Arrow family.”
Regular updates will be shared over the coming days at www.baschools.org/COVID19 and on the district’s social media channels. Video messaging will also be sent to families next week to prepare for online instruction.
Additionally, Broken Arrow Public Schools is providing free grab-and-go meals for students 18 and under at the following locations:
- Central Park Family Aquatic Center (1400 S. Main Street): 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- In front of Sequoyah Middle School (2701 S. Elm Place): noon to 12:30 p.m.
- Indian Springs Apartments (2177 W. Jasper Street): 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
More locations will be available March 30.
Children must be present to receive a meal, which will include lunch for the day and breakfast for the next morning.