Des Moines, Iowa – School boards in Iowa received important clarity Sunday night from Governor Kim Reynolds, who said school closures must occur for four weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Iowa Association of School Boards, Sunday, called on school boards to take seriously the health emergency, moving to school closures as quickly as possible.

The IASB said in a statement that it supports the decision not to force an immediate shut-down statewide. While schools must move quickly, officials say they are allowed to take needed steps locally to ensure family and community preparedness as well. “We advise school boards to work immediately with local health and community agencies to ensure the health and safety of students and to communicate with parents to accomplish the closures,” the Board said.

The IASB also supports Governor Reynold’s commitment to ensure policy supports for childcare and meals for low-income students. Additional commitments will be needed to assist schools in resolving other issues caused by the school closures. IASB pledged its support to assist schools and state policy makers in addressing those issues.