Springfield schools to close Election Day to protect students due to coronavirus concerns

Districts in Clark and Champaign Counties are working to prepare their schools to deal with a COVID-19, coronavirus outbreak.

Gov. Mike DeWineDeWine took no actions Wednesday regarding closing K-12 schools.

“If we come to that and schools have to be closed, we will certainly work with the schools to waive requirements, for example the testing requirements, if we reach that point,” he said.

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Since Springfield City School District buildings are used as polling places on Election Day, the district will be closed on Tuesday, March 17, as a precaution for students, Superintendent Bob Hill.

“Our custodial team will disinfect buildings prior to the start of school on Wednesday, March 18,” said Hill.

All other local district-associated events are on as scheduled, Hill said.

“The Springfield City School District staff continues to encourage good health habits within our buildings and at home,” Hill said.

The district is also working on plans should closing be required for more than Election Day.

“In the event that district closure is required, plans are being finalized to ensure continued learning,” Hill said.

Northwestern Local School District is also working to reinforce preventative measures to ensure safety and are encouraging all to be mindful of those measures.

“As a school district, we are closely monitoring this situation and taking guidance from the Clark County Combined Health District, Ohio Department of Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Superintendent Jesse Steiner. “We encourage our students, staff, and families to be mindful of key preventative measures.”

The district also encourages everyone to practice good health habits.

“With your support, we can all work together to prevent illnesses and keep our schools a healthy and safe learning environment for all students and staff,” Steiner said.

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“All Champaign County school districts have agreed to operate as normal unless we can’t,” said Triad Local School District’s Superintendent Vickie Hoffman.

Hoffman said they are monitoring staff attendance as they remain open because if too many staff members become sick, schools cannot operate as normal.

All five Champaign County districts have also canceled all March indoor community events, but the outdoor community events are not affected, Hoffman said.

Hoffman said Triad will also monitor and curtail the number of people coming through the building to reduce the number of people coming in contact with students.

The district is working on a “what if” plan and will reassess the situation on a weekly basis.

Three people in Cuyahoga County tested positive on Monday and one person from Stark County tested positive on Wednesday for the coronavirus.

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, Gov. Mike DeWine recommended colleges and universities screen students returning from travel, hold classes online, eliminate international travel, ban spectators at sporting events, and cancel or postpone large gatherings.

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