PHOENIX – Under legislation signed on Friday by Gov. Doug Ducey, Arizona’s public schools will not be required to make up days lost to the COVID-19 outbreak. Also the statewide assessment requirement for 2020 is cancelled.
On March 15, Ducey announced a statewide closure of Arizona schools from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020. On Friday, March 20, he announced a two-week extension of school closures through Friday, April 10, 2020.
All school employees — including hourly employees—will continue to be paid during the closures, under the new law.
Beginning on Monday, March 30, 2020, schools will offer students general education through alternative formats for the duration of the closure. This allows public school employees who are able to perform their tasks outside of school to resume work remotely on March 30. If an employee is unable to perform their work remotely, they will be assigned other tasks.
“During this unprecedented time, parents and educators need certainty so they can plan and make decisions — and this bill provides it,” said Ducey in a press release. “It protects our teachers and prioritizes our students, ensuring kids continue to receive instruction even with schools closed.”