Tulsa Public Schools Close Temporarily Due To Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns

The State Board of Education held an emergency meeting to discuss possible action concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19). During the meeting, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister announced approval by the board to authorize the closure of all Oklahoma public schools beginning March 17.

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The following is a release from Tulsa Public Schools (note - this release was just prior to the decision to reopen April 6):

We love our students and team and are deeply dedicated to keeping everyone safe and well. Team Tulsa continues to work with health and safety experts to stay updated on the status and spread of coronavirus/COVID-19.

While this situation is changing by the hour, our most current information is as follows:

• To slow the spread COVID-19 in our community, all schools in our district will be closed through Friday, April 3. At this time, students will return to classes no earlier than Monday, April 6. Families should anticipate that there may be an even longer closure.
• District office buildings will be open Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, district buildings will be closed until Friday, April 3.
• Employees should anticipate that there may be an even longer closure. In the next three days, we will share information with our employees about their schedules through Friday, April 3. All staff will continue to be paid through Friday, April 3.

We will continue to share information and updates through email, text message, and on our website at www.tulsaschools.org/coronavirus. You can also sign-up for text message alerts from Tulsa Public Schools by texting “YES” to 67587.

For students,  parents, and families:

• We will feed Tulsa Public School students and the students of our partner schools by providing “grab and go” meals at sites throughout the city. Meals will be provided on weekdays starting on Monday, March 23. Meal distribution locations will be available on our website by 2pm on Friday, March 20. 
• If the closure extends beyond April 6, we will support parents by providing at-home resources and activities to keep students engaged. These materials would be posted on our website with printed copies available at our meal distribution sites. In the event of an extended closure, we will share more information about the distribution of resources and activities by Friday, March 27. 
• At this time, students are expected to return to classes on Monday, April 6, although families should plan for a longer closure.

For Tulsa Public Schools employees:

• By Friday, March 20, employees will receive any necessary updates about their schedules through Friday, April 3. All employees will continue to be paid through Friday, April 3.
• To allow employees time to prepare for the closure, district office buildings will be open on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17. Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, district buildings will be closed until Friday, April 3. Employees should plan for a longer closure.

We've also attached a section of CDC guidelines for testing:

“CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing have required patients to have fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms, as well as evidence of direct or indirect contact such as travel to China or other affected countries, or close contact with someone who has tested positive. Individuals are encouraged to contact their doctor or public health professional to seek guidance on whether they may be at risk of having COVID-19.”