Superintendent says he will monitor coronavirus situation, classes will continue as normal

Huron Schools

Posted Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Huron School District Superintendent Donovan Rowe posted an update Wednesday evening saying classes at this point will continue as normal in Huron Schools, and that the district will continue to monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. He noted that the district has also increased cleaning and disinfecting efforts in buildings and buses.

Here is the letter sent out to the community:

Attention Huron Families,

As you have probably heard, two (2) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the State of Michigan.

As a preventative measure, Governor Whitmer has also declared a “state of emergency.” This declaration includes the release of “Community Mitigation Strategies,” coming from the Governor’s office. In relation to this, the Governor has issued the following statement.

“Community mitigation strategies are designed to be implemented at the individual,
organizational, and community levels. They apply to businesses, workplaces, schools, community organizations, health care institutions, and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and health profiles; everyone has an important role to play. These strategies provide essential protections to individuals at risk of severe illness and to health care and other critical infrastructure workforces.”

“’Michiganders have been preparing for COVID-19 for weeks, including by taking basic
measures such as washing their hands often, covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when they are sick,’ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical
executive and chief deputy for health. ‘However, Michigan must take further action to avoid a
rapid increase of cases in the state. Community mitigation strategies are crucial to slowing the
transmission of the virus in Michigan, particularly before a vaccine or treatment becomes
available.’”

In addition, I met today with representatives from the Wayne County Department of Health, Wayne County RESA, and Wayne County Superintendents. The Health Department made it clear that, at this time, they are NOT recommending the closure of schools, nor the cancelation of school events. Although this situation continues to change rapidly, Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the situation and to work closely with the CDC.

Obviously, these announcements have raised many questions within our community related to how this may impact our schools.

The Huron School District is continuing to follow the recommendations and guidelines issued by the CDC and the Wayne County Department of Health. In addition, we will continue to monitor the “State of Emergency” and “Community Mitigation Strategies” issued by the Governor.

The Huron School District has also increased cleaning and disinfecting efforts within the district classrooms and school buses. As always, student safety is our primary concern. I thank you for your support of our school district, especially during this time. As the situation changes, we will continue to provide you with information and updates.