Schools working on cancellation plans.

Schools working on cancellation plans.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

Officials from Mason County’s three public school districts have been meeting this morning to discuss a course of action over the next two weeks, in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closing all K-12 schools in the state effective March 16 through April 5.

Whitmer closed the schools in response to reported cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in the state.

Mason County Central Superintendent Jeff Mount said he was meeting with his administrative team this morning and county supervisors were expected to meet this afternoon. Mason County Eastern Paul Shoup said the schools were waiting to receive information from the Michigan Department of Education before working out plans for meal distribution and other resources. Ludington Area School District Superintendent Jason Kennedy echoed his colleagues. 

“We are working on this this morning. It will take time,” he said adding that, like the other superintendents, he will be meeting with MDE, other superintendents and the governor’s office.

Though the closure is through April 5, Mason County’s schools are scheduled for spring break the week of March 29 through April 4.

“Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” said Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice. “The Department of Education will continue to work closely with our partners in state government to help our students and educators in each school district get through this time. This is about protecting the most people in Michigan.”

LASD parents and students may receive updates here.

More information will be posted when it becomes available.