Waterford Today

State Rep. Andrea Schroeder (R-Independence Township) said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order regarding school closings and the new coronavirus outbreak prioritizes public health amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

“The health of our students, teachers, school employees and all Oakland County residents comes before everything else,” Schroeder said in a statement on Michigan House Republicans. “There is no question closing schools causes a great disruption, but there is no doubt this will lessen the spread of COVID-19 and saves lives.”

The lawmaker said she has been in constant contact with officials at Waterford School District and Clarkston Community Schools, and she expressed confidence in their ability to address the novel coronavirus outbreak.

“I feel confident in saying this because, in the past couple of weeks, I have been amazed to see the creativity from teachers and parents to keep their kids engaged,” the lawmaker said. “This work will continue because that is what educators do -- they rise to the challenge and educate, no matter what obstacles try to get in their way. Oakland County will continue to come together to get through this challenging time, and schools will continue to do their part.”

Under the governor’s order, all public and private school buildings statewide are closed for the rest of the academic year, unless the situation improves and restrictions are scaled back. Whitmer’s order forgives 15 days of instruction beyond the nine snow days currently permitted under state law and requires all districts to use resources from waived days to ensure that all hourly and contract employees are paid.

According to WKAR, a 21-person body known as the Michigan Virtual Learning Continuity Work Group was formed to assist teachers in the creation of new strategies that reflect the "new normal."

The station additionally reported that school districts are required to implement new learning strategies by Apr. 28.