The Idaho State Board of Education has agreed on criteria for public
school districts and charter schools to use in deciding whether to
resume normal school operations. The board last month directed
districts and charters to initiate a “soft closure” of school
facilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The soft closure was
extended last week, effectively ending classroom instruction statewide
for the remainder of the school year, but did include an option for
re-entry under criteria the board considered this (THU) morning. The
criteria to reopen provides schools local control and includes the
lifting of all state and local social distancing orders, including
stay-at-home orders; the peak of the state infection curve was at
least 14 days ago; and approval from both the local public health
district and the local school board. Governor Brad Little’s education
advisor Greg Wilson testified to the board today (THU) that the
directive doesn’t force a district or charter or school to do
anything, but rather provides a clear process out of a soft closure
into normal operations for those districts who are thinking about
doing so this school year. Little on Wednesday extended his latest
stay-at-home order until April 30th. Provided he doesn’t extend it
again, schools could target a May 1st return, as updated projections
referenced by the State Board show April 8th as Idaho’s peak. State
Board member Linda Clark said if all of the conditions are met, the
local school board has the ultimate say on whether or not a school
would re-open. (Idaho State Board of Education, Idaho Statesman)
