From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County School system issued a statement after Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey announced schools would not be returning to the classroom for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
‘This is being done to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect students, faculty, and staff,” the statement read. “Safety continues to be our top priority.”
The school system said it is awaiting additional guidance from the Alabama Department of Education on the next steps in order to start school online by April 6. Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said the state is developing plans for how the distance learning would work. Mackey said lessons may be conducted online and students who do not have internet access may get take-home materials.
Jefferson County Schools is asking the public to follow recommendations by the health department.
“Please continue to observe social distancing guidelines and do everything possible to keep your family safe,” the school system said in the statement. “We will be releasing more details in the coming days.”