⏩ State tells districts to limit school gatherings

HARTFORD — School districts are being told to reconsider any large events where there could be 100 or more people in attendance to combat the coronavirus.

Sporting events, school plays, spring concerts and field trips fall into that category, according to new guidelines issued late Monday by Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona.

The two-page directive continues to leave school closures of up to two weeks in local hands.

“Closures that may extend past two weeks will be addressed on a case-by-case basis,” Cardona wrote.

On Tuesday in Stratford, school officials announced that Wilcoxson School would close through Friday because a person connected to the district may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The commissioner also sent school districts guidance related to school closures and an application for a waiver of the 180day requirement should it be necessary.

“If Connecticut experiences widespread sustained community transmission, public safety considerations including extended school closures as a public health prevention measure will be made at the direction of the Office of the Governor with input from other agencies,” Cardona wrote.

The directives include a flow chart for when distance learning opportunities are appropriate.

“Any distance learning has to be equitable,” Acting Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Michael Testani said. In Bridgeport, he said equitable learning cannot be guaranteed because some students live in homes without internet access or equipment.

Testani said he does not consider sending students home with homework packets an equitable educational opportunity.

Any days missed, Testani said, would be made up at the end of the school year.

Local school officials said they have other worries about the impact of closed schools.

“A lot of our students depend on our schools for food,” Board Member Joe Sokolovic said. “Two meals a day. Kids won’t eat if they stay home ... Consider all the ramifications.”

Cardona was on a conference call with Gov. Ned Lamont and about 500 state and municipal officials on Monday evening to talk about the developing coronavirus situation.

Testani called the guidance helpful. “We need to keep things in proper perspective,” Testani said. “Folks are scared.”

The directive was shared with the board as members voted to suspend out-of-state field trips.

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media State Education Department Commissioner Miguel Cardona and Gov. Ned Lamont are shown on Feb. 28 at Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School in Norwalk.