Governor Kate Brown Extends Coronavirus School Closures Through End of School Year

(Portland, OR) — In light of the necessity to continue social distancing measures during
the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, particularly her Stay Home, Save Lives order,
Governor Kate Brown today announced she is extending Oregon’s physical closures for
the K-12 and post-secondary education systems through the end of the current academic
term and school year. She directed school districts, community colleges, and universities
to complete the final weeks of the regular academic year by continuing distance learning
and support to students.

“We have Oregon’s students at the forefront of every decision we make about education,”
said Governor Brown. “Their health, happiness, and safety is our priority. The best thing
we can do for the health of our children, and for the thousands of educators across the
state, is to give everyone certainty by announcing the decision today to close in-person
classes for the remainder of the school year. School, and learning, will continue as best as
we can using remote means.”

Recognizing that physical closures of schools under unprecedented circumstances impact
Oregon’s high school seniors in particular, the Oregon Department of Education today
released new guidance for pathways for seniors to graduate.