Arizona Schools Closed Through End Of Year: Gov. Ducey

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona schools will remain closed through the end of the school year, according to a release from Gov. Doug Ducey's office. The decision comes as a measure to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

State authorities made the decision to close schools after updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, and federal guidelines suggest practicing social distancing through the end of April.

"While this isn’t the outcome any of us wanted, we are grateful for the partnership of schools around the state, who have stepped up to offer virtual and take-home learning opportunities for our students," Ducey and Arizona Superintendent Kathy Hoffman said in a joint statement in the news release.

"These efforts are crucial, and we recognize that schools are making every effort possible to continue providing instruction during closures," they added.

Educators and staff will see no disruption in pay, the release says.

See the Arizona governor and superintendent's press release.

Ducey and Hoffman launched Arizona Enrichment Centers which will offer child care for people with essential jobs like first responders, critical health care workers and certain public sector workers like those in child safety.

The closure applies to district and charter schools. Private schools, however, must only follow federal guidance and close through at least April 30.

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