By Norma Sorto
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
State Superintendent Karen Salmon said Maryland schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year because full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic still is not certain.
“After extensive discussions with the Maryland State Board of Education, the Maryland Health Department, and additional health experts advising the governor,” Salmon said, “I am convinced this is the appropriate decision in order to continue to protect the health and safety of our students, educators, staff, and all members of school communities throughout Maryland.”
Salmon, who made the announcement Wednesday at the governor’s press conference in Annapolis, said that online and distance learning currently being used in school districts throughout the state will continue until the end of the school year.
The State of Department of Education released a comprehensive plan for long-term recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The plan should benefit students and educators of Maryland since it was drafted in collaboration with the state board, local school superintendents, and with input from stakeholders of the state. The plan is a document that lays the guidelines for the coming months as officials maintain and improve online learning for students.
Salmon stressed that the document includes sample schedules and calendar ideas that could be used as part of Gov. Larry Hogan’s “Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery Plan.”
“The plan also establishes the foundation for school systems as they begin to consider how they will bring students and educators back into school buildings once they are able to in a safe way,” Salmon said.
The recovery plan outlines options and considerations developed from best practices and available research across the country, she said. The school systems also could choose to bring students back to address special needs such as disabilities and English language barriers.
“We will continue to update this document while addressing additional issues,” Salmon said.
As for high school seniors and families wondering about graduation ceremonies, the decisions will be made by local school system superintendents and school boards, she said.
“I certainty understand the significant challenges that we face as we move forward to restore public education in Maryland,” Salmon said. “However, I’m confident that with the leadership from local superintendents and the collaboration among educators, parents, and members of our school communities, that we can get through the crisis together and come out stronger than ever for all of our Maryland students.”