MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Last week, the majority of students in Montgomery County were handed a two week ‘spring break’. The additional week off was implemented to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville Academy, and Clarksville Christian Schools all announced they would close their doors for the next two weeks. The closures aligned with Spring Break already scheduled for the schools, to allow students at least two weeks out of the building.
On Monday, March 16, Governor Bill Lee announced that he would like all Tennessee schools to “close as soon as practically possible.” Health officials warn the respiratory virus COVID-19 has the potential to spread rapidly among larger groups of people, such as at a school or large gathering.
In a statement from the Governor’s Office:
“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest. Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.”