School Cancellation Process

When would the District decide to close a school(s)?

Update 3/12/20

Today Governor Jay Inslee announced that all public and private schools will be closed starting March 17 through April 24 as a measure to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. All Wenatchee Schools will be closed during this time.

Read the Governor's announcement 

Update 3/5/20
Additional information about school recommendations:

Public Health is not currently recommending that schools proactively close unless they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member or student.

This guidance may have been confusing for some families and schools because schools bring together large groups of children. School closures have significant negative impacts on our community. We will be providing additional information to schools about how to stay open safely. The considerations we have taken in our decision not to currently recommend routine closure at schools include:

  • Children are not known to get seriously ill from COVID-19
  • Closing schools may not be effective because some children may congregate anyway, at other locations
  • Many parents, such as healthcare workers, need to be at work. If these critical workers stay home with children it causes significant impacts on the healthcare system and other institutions that are essential for our community to function
  • If schools close, some children might have to stay home with alternative caregivers, such as elders, who are more vulnerable
  • We don’t know how effective children are in spreading this disease

Some children and staff may be at higher risk for severe illness because of underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. Public Health advises that those people consult with their healthcare provider to decide the best course of action.

Public Health also respects each individual school’s decisions about closures, postponement of activities, or other social distancing measures – as each school knows the needs of their community best.

Public Health is continually assessing our decision not to require the widespread closure of schools. We are continually evaluating information as it becomes available to better inform our decisions about proactive schools closure.

 

Concern or question?

Student and staff safety is our top priority. If you have a question, concern or comment about any health or safety issue, please let us know.

Ask here

Local Healthcare Resources
Columbia Valley Community Health and Confluence Health have created informational websites about the coronavirus with steps you can take if you feel you or your child are exhibiting symptoms you feel may be consistent with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Columbia Valley Community Health
Confluence Health
Centers for Disease Control and Preventions
Washington State Department of Health

This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.