Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on School Closures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 16, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Robinson
EMAIL: EDU.MediaInquiries@tn.gov

Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on School Closures

NASHVILLE, TN – Today, Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement on Governor Bill Lee’s announcement around school closures:

    “We thank Governor Lee for encouraging school districts to close through the end of the month in order to protect the     health and wellbeing of Tennessee’s students, teachers, and entire communities across the state.  

    The Department of Education team has been working overtime to communicate with districts and issue guidance to      help them make plans and decisions to ensure a continuation of academic instruction as well as critical meal and other     services for students during times of school closure.  

    Together with district leaders, our department’s top priority as we move forward is ensuring that students can stay     healthy and have all the supports they need to continue learning.”

The Department of Education will continually update guidance to school districts posted on our website: https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus.html

The Department of Education also set up a hotline for district leaders 629-888-5898 or toll free 833-947-2115. The hotline is available Monday- Friday 6:30 am – 4:30pm CT.