TUCSON, Ariz. — Governor Doug Ducey and Arizona Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced a statewide closure of Arizona schools effective Monday, March 16th.
This comes after developments on Saturday and Sunday, including the third presumptive positive case of the coronavirus in Pima County.
In a statement following the statewide closure of schools, Tucson Unified School District Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo announced some measures for TUSD during the closure.
According to Dr. Trujillo, the closure includes the two Infant and Early Learning Centers at Brichta and Shumaker, all athletic practices, fine arts performances, events, games, competitions, rehearsals, and trips associated with the fine & performance arts programs, interscholastic athletic programs, and any extra-curricular activity programming.
Concerning pay schedules, Dr. Trujillo said the Governor’s Office has assured Arizona school districts that pay schedules for all district employees will not be disrupted by the closure. "Details are forthcoming and will be shared and communicated as soon as we are informed," says Dr. Trujillo.
The TUSD leadership team is encouraging positions that can work from home to do so. "All Directors, Supervisors, Managers, and Principals opting to exercise the option to telecommute are expected to have a clear and concise plan for the management and supervision of work performed by the employees under their supervision," says Dr. Trujillo. This option is in support of the Center for Disease Control and the Pima County Health Department’s joint recommendation for “social distancing” wherever possible. The expectation is that work will be performed from home in all possible circumstances.
"Due to the vital role that our school safety staff, maintenance, custodial, and operations staff members play in defending the district against the advance of COVID-19, the physical attendance of these employees is required. Our Operations leadership team will be finalizing a detailed plan for a 2nd week of the comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting of schools and buses throughout the district to commence on Monday, March 23rd."
Dr. Trujillo also added that the food services team members will also be required to be at work.
The school closure will run through March 27th.
