All Mississippi schools to remain closed

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday morning (March 19, 2020) that public schools throughout Mississippi would remain closed until at least April 17 due to the spread of the of Coronavirus COVID-19.

“This is not a decision I take lightly,” Reeves said. “It is perhaps the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I know it is difficult for Mississippi families when schools are shut down.”

The Mississippi State Board of Education then voted to suspend all federal and state testing for the 2019-2020 school year. The executive order to close schools by the governor also allows school districts to not make up days missed while under a state of emergency.

Dr. Carey Wright, the state superintendent of education, said in a Thursday conference call with reporters that schools will also keep their accountability grades from the 2020 year since districts will not have ample testing to grade the schools.

Reeves said that school districts and teachers will be paid their salary on time. Their pay is protected by a bill passed by the House and Senate this week to protect full-time and part-time employees pay.