GOVERNOR LEE ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING STATEWIDE SCHOOL CLOSURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2020
CONTACT: Gillum Ferguson
[email protected]
615-253-4516

Governor Lee Issues Statement Regarding Statewide School Closure
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement
regarding statewide school closure:
“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as
soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the
latest. Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of
this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and
local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for
closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We
understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to
work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential
supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the
spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface
with the closure of schools.”

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