A number of Northeast Georgia school systems and colleges are joining the University System of Georgia in answering the governor’s “call to action” amid the coronavirus threat.
In a press conference on Thursday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp encouraged local schools and school systems to take action, though stressed it was not a mandate.
“If you feel that it is prudent, you should consider closing daycares, schools or school districts as early as tomorrow through the next two weeks,” Kemp said. “In addition, county, and local governments should consider what closures might be appropriate that do not affect essential services.”
Shortly after Kemp’s press conference, the University System of Georgia announced it is suspending classes for two weeks at all 26 of its colleges and universities. The move was made in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Other colleges and school systems across the state are following suit.
Northeast Georgia college closings
Truett McConnell University in Cleveland announced Friday it’s suspending on-campus instruction for two weeks, from March 16-27. Currently, classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, March 30.
North Georgia Technical College is suspending classes and activities on its campuses. Vice-President for College and Community Relations Amy Hulsey says the decision was made as a proactive, precautionary measure against the possible spread of COVID-19.
All online and face-to-face classes on all three NGTC campuses – Clarkesville, Curahee, and Blairsville – are suspended March 16-20. “We are asking faculty and staff to report,” Hulsey says. “Dorm students will be allowed to stay in the dorm and meals will be provided.”
Hulsey says a variety of factors influenced the decision, adding, “be assured that the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is always our primary concern.” She says this is a college-based decision and not system-wide. The Technical College System of Georgia is leaving it to each school to make its own decision.
Currently, Lanier Tech and Athens Tech are on spring break.
Demorest-based Piedmont College has extended spring break by a week for its Demorest and Athens students. Piedmont is moving all classroom instruction online beginning March 23 until further notice.
Northeast Georgia school system closings
In response to Kemp’s “call to action” during a press conference on March 12, public and private schools across Northeast Georgia are suspending classes. Counties temporarily closing schools include Banks, Clarke, Dawson, Elbert, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White.
Tallulah Falls School in Habersham County announced Friday it’s suspending classes for at least one month. TFS students will begin online classes on March 18. TFS President and Head of School Larry Peevy says the target date to return to class is April 14. The school also has suspended all after school activities, practices, and games until further notice.
Public schools in Banks, Habersham, Jackson, and Madison counties will be closed for two weeks, from March 16-27. During this time, there will be no extra-curricular activities or sporting events.
“Closing schools for a period of time is a proactive measure to prevent the Coronavirus from entering a school and from spreading in our community,” says Habersham County Superintendent of Schools Matthew Cooper. “We will notify parents if it becomes necessary to extend this closure.”
READ Supt. Cooper’s full statement here
Public schools in Clarke, Dawson, Elbert, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White counties will be closed to students for a minimum of one week.
School administrators say they will reassess the situation next week and inform parents and students if any further schedule changes are needed.
Students in Habersham will begin online learning on March 17. Other schools also are employing online learning methods to lessen the impact of losing in-classroom instruction.
Other Northeast Georgia school systems including those in Franklin, Hart, and Stephens counties remain open, but administrators say they’re closely monitoring events. Stephens County has canceled all sporting events through at least March 27. Franklin and Hart County Schools have canceled all field trips and out-of-district travel.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) has suspended all of its extra-curricular and sporting events and encouraged local schools to do the same.
This article has been updated to include the most recent list of Northeast Georgia school closings
