Jefferson County Schools Closed for Remainder of School Year

Yesterday, Governor Bill Lee encouraged schools to remain closed the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. Jefferson County Schools will honor that request and remain closed through the balance of the current academic school year which is scheduled to end May 22, 2020.

Following the Governor’s announcement, Tennessee Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn sent school leader’s a memo reminding superintendent’s that while school buildings are closed, learning should not cease and the TN Department of Education will continue to support districts to ensure meal services and academic instruction are not interrupted. Per these state guidelines, our school district will continue to provide academic support and meal services to students.

Specifically, the next meal distribution will take place this Friday, April 17, 2020 at all school campuses except Jefferson County High School’s main campus and Jefferson Academy. Parents are encouraged to take their child to the school where the child attends and if you have children in multiple schools you will only need to go to one school for all meals.

My office will provide information next week concerning next steps in this process including announcements for our high school seniors. It is our plan to provide some updated information about graduation. There will also be information about routine end of year events such as turning school owned items in and a procedure for students to collect their items from the school they attend.

All of this is subject to change based on updated guidance from government and health officials. I also want to reassure everyone that we are taking this situation very serious and want to keep employees, volunteers, students, and guardians as safe as possible. As a matter of reassurance, workers with any symptoms of sickness are not allowed to report for duty and if any workers develop symptoms they are removed immediately. Should any worker, or school employee, test positive for Covid-19, I would follow guidance provided by the Jefferson County Health Department regarding appropriate notifications.

I understand the added stress to everyone’s life during this time and appreciate the eagerness and enthusiasm that so many have demonstrated to assist in academic supports and meal services. Thanks to everyone for your patience, support, and understanding.