S.C. governor says he will extend COVID-19 school closures through April

COVID-19 has likely shuttered school in South Carolina now through the end of April.

Gov. Henry McMaster and S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman released a joint statement Tuesday afternoon announcing South Carolinians should prepare for schools to remain closed for the duration of April.

“We understand that the prospect of schools remaining closed for an extended period of time places stress and strain on parents and children,” the joint statement said. “Rest assured, if there is any way to safely open our schools earlier, we will do that, but schools must remain closed to protect the health and safety of South Carolinians.”

On Sunday, March 15, McMaster issued through an executive order the closure of public schools for students and non-essential employees through March 31, which is next Tuesday. A news release from the governor’s office said he will issue an additional executive order to extend the K-12 school closures through the month of April in the coming days.

This new order will, like the initial one, also apply to the state’s public colleges, universities and technical colleges and will encourage those institutions to maintain existing plans to provide instruction through virtual learning.

Following suit again, Clarendon Hall will also remain closed through April 30.

According to a Clarendon Hall news release, SCISA said "all member schools shall adhere to the directive issued today by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster."copn

The last day of school for Sumter School District is on the calendar for June 4.

Shelly Galloway, executive director of communications and community engagement for the school district, said details will be provided today regarding a revised structure to the alternative pathway to learning that will occur starting March 30.

Schools will continue to issue Chromebooks Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Galloway said. The district office remains open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist with tech support.

Meal distribution and pickup will remain the same for the rest of this week, and an updated plan for meal deliveries for next week is expected to be announced today, too.

Breakfast and lunch can be picked up – at the same time or individually – at each student’s school in the pick-up area between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Buses will begin delivering meals at 10 a.m. to the following  pick-up spots throughout the community:

• New Bethel Church
• Pack Road
• Crescent Mobile Homes
• American Mobile Homes
• DeLaine Community Center
• Rembert Post Office
• Rembert Community Center
• Sherwood Forest
• Pisgah Crossroads
• Wedgefield Post Office
• Shiloh Community Center
• Mayesville Post Office
• Catchall Center
• Ebenezer Center
• Frierson Mobile Homes
• Windsor City
• Birnie Hope Center
• South Hope Center
• North Hope Center
• Jehovah Center
• Trinity Baptist Church
• Salterstown Center
• Iris Winds
• Dillon Park

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For a list of resources for parents with young children at home, including social media accounts to follow and activity ideas, click here.