The Cobb County and Marietta City school systems and two private schools will take Gov. Brian Kemp's advice to close its buildings in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Cobb County School District said it will close its buildings effective Monday, March 16 “until further notice.” The district said the closure extends to all school-sponsored activities, including sporting events, field trips and extracurricular activities.
District spokeswoman Nan Kiel said events scheduled before Monday “may continue as scheduled but could be cancelled by the outside venue.”
Cobb’s closure does not mean students will get a pass on their education, the system said.
“All staff will work remotely to best support students, including delivering digital and physical instructional resources to students while they’re at home,” it said.
The district said it will send out more information Friday that will spell out how it will use digital learning resources.
The Marietta City School System said on its Facebook page that it would also close its facilities starting Monday “for at least two weeks.” It will use Friday to prepare for the closure, and share more details with parents through email, social media and on its website.
The Walker School at 700 Cobb Parkway North in Marietta will close its classrooms and offices beginning Friday, March 13. Head of School Jack Hall said his staff will meet Friday, March 27 to evaluate the situation.
The school will use Friday and Monday as professional development days and starting Tuesday, will transition to its Instructional Continuity Plan for families and students.
Mount Paran Christian School at 1275 Stanley Road in Kennesaw will close its campus Friday, March 13. Students, teachers, faculty and staff will be allowed to retrieve any necessary supplies, books and devices from 8-10 a.m.
Mount Paran will not give out any assignments or host any digital instructional sessions on Friday, but will implement virtual learning on Monday. The school said it expects students and staff will be off campus for at least two weeks, but will keep families abreast of the situation, according to its website.
These decisions come hours after Gov. Brian Kemp asked local school districts to consider closing to combat the spread of the virus.
"This is not a mandate, said Kemp at a press conference Thursday. "We know school closures have a major impact on our Georgia families."
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