Coronavirus - School Closing
Dear Hull Community,
This message is to inform you that the Hull Public Schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27 due to the uncertainty regarding the coronavirus. Over the next two weeks, we will reassess to determine if a longer closure is warranted and will communicate next steps by March 25. This decision was made earlier today in collaboration with local South Shore Superintendents. We are working together to develop strategies for addressing the situation.
Earlier this morning, district leaders along with two School Committee members participated in a conference call with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). On that call, we learned that the state is not recommending statewide school closure at this time, therefore, the decision remains in the control of each local district. I believe being proactive in this situation is important. As always my top priority is the health and safety of Hull students and staff, and I believe that the decision to close the district is in direct alignment with this responsibility.
Although I firmly believe this is the right decision at this time, it is not an easy one. Hull children and families rely on our public schools as a key component of their larger community. In addition to academics, students receive important special education, health, nutrition, and social service support from our schools. We are aware of the impact of interrupting these services and are actively planning for the provision of alternatives. We are also aware of the difficulty that many families will have, trying to balance daycare with their professional and personal responsibilities. In short, we know that closing schools is a major disruption in the community.
As always, we are committed to sharing new information as it becomes available. Please look out for further communication as we navigate these very trying times.
Sincerely,
Judy Kuehn
Interim Superintendent