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COVID-19 Guidance for MN Schools

On Sunday, March 15, Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker announced that Minnesota’s public schools and charter schools must close by Wednesday, March 18, and remain closed through Friday, May 18, in light of the COVID-19 situation. Schools are to use this time to plan for equitable distance learning in the event that a longer school closure may be necessary. All school staff are expected to participate in the planning process except for school staff who are vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure as explained by the Minnesota Department of Health. School plans must include arrangements for the elementary school children of health care workers, first responders, law enforcement, and firefighters.

MCEA will continually monitor the situation and will update our website regularly.

MCEA COVID-19 Programming Response & Preparedness Plan

Please contact MCEA if questions or concerns arise.

• Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-02 (issued March 15)

• Minnesota Department of Education Guidance (issued March 18)

• School Board Emergency Meeting and Interactive Technology/Teleconference Meeting Information

Other Resources:

• Minnesota Department of Education: COVID-19 Updates | Guidance on Distance Learning | School Closure FAQ

• Minnesota Department of Health officials announce new community-level strategies to slow COVID-19 in Minnesota (March 13, 2020)

• Contact Susan Klammer, the MDH school liaison, at susan.klammer@state.mn.us or schools.covid19@state.mn.us for more information

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs

• Minnesota State High School League: Spring Sports and Activities Participation Limitations