Governor orders schools out ‘til May 4

Dave Rogers

For The Record

Students will continue to be closed until May 4 to slow down the worldwide coronavirus spread, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared Tuesday.

Local school districts shared the message with their patrons via Facebook Tuesday night.

“Our health officials report that cases are continuing to spread in the state, and an increase in confirmed cases in our county seems likely,” Todd Lintzen, Bridge City superintendent, wrote.

“Suspending operations for this length of time will allow us to determine, in coordination with local health officials, whether the virus is continuing to have community spread or whether it has been contained.

“We are coordinating with other school districts in Orange County as well as Orange County officials to make decisions on whether there is a need to extend the suspension further.”

Dr. Rickie Harris, superintendent at West Orange-Cove, said to his patrons, “Thank you for your continued patience as we work together as a community to keep everyone safe.

“I appreciate your efforts at home in helping provide our students with continuity of education during this closure period.”

Students are to stay in touch with their teachers and continue working their flexible education programs.

Student nutrition meal service will continue at the schools.

“Remember patience, perseverance and communication between our families and staff will ensure that our students continue to receive the best instruction possible during these trying times,” Lintzen said.

In Tuesday’s announcement, Gov. Abbott said “every person in Texas shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain essential services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”

Abbott refused to call his order a “stay at home order.”

“This is not a stay-at-home strategy,” he said. “This is a standard that is based on essential services and essential activities.”