Statewide waiver for attendance considered by Utah State School Board
Mar 18, 2020, 9:25 AM
FILE PHOTO: Jeffrey Allred / KSL News
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Board of Education plans to meet Thursday to consider a statewide attendance waiver.
A board rule says public education must have a minimum of 180 days and 990 hours of instruction each school year in Utah.
A school district or charter school needs a waiver if they can’t meet the minimum requirement. They’ve received attendance waivers in the past because of weather closures, for example.
Now board members may consider whether to do a statewide waiver, or blanket waiver request, after the “soft closure” of public schools announced last week by Gov. Gary Herbert. The 15 board members will use video to meet via video online Thursday to talk about it.
The Deseret News says the board will also look at keeping transportation money going to schools even though buses aren’t running.
And they’ll talk about end of school year testing requirements. It’s still unknown if schools will be out then, too.
Utah has nearly 667,000 public school students who are still expected to do their lessons, sent home by their teachers, during the outbreak of COVID-19 or coronavirus.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
