Fairbury Public Schools Making Preparations For A Closure If Needed

FAIRBURY - "Do what we can to limit exposure and try to keep systems as normal as possible."   That was the message from Stephen Grizzle, Superintendent of Fairbury Public schools who stopped by the News Channel Nebraska newsroom on Friday afternoon.    

Governor Pete Rickett's held a Friday morning news conference where he talked about the state's plans when it comes to possible school closings.  "As we approach one percent of the population, having the virus, that's when we at the state will make the decision to close down schools and large public gatherings for six to eight weeks.," said Governor Ricketts.

Grizzle said the staff is currently working on E-lessons to provide the students so if that was a requirement with a possible shutdown.  He also stated that Fairbury has the capability to send a chrome book computer home with all students, so he felt Fairbury Public Schools is in a very good spot to put those actions in place. 

Grizzle said upcoming school events and activities could be postponed or canceled as Fairbury Public Schools does their part to help the spread.  "Schools are the cornerstone of most communities.   So if we are going to help with limiting the spread, we need to look at our practices of how to help limit the exposure to the community."  Grizzle also added that if its a sporting event, that decision would be made by the NSAA.  Fairbury Schools has not heard about what the protocol will be for spring sports like track, baseball, and golf.   

The school however, has learned that there will not be District or State Speech this year.   "One thing we have to remember is that school events are also community events, and even though school kids are not as high of risk of this corona virus their grandparents, their aunts, their uncles, their family and friends are at risk.  So we have to take those things into consideration as well."

Another thing Fairbury Public Schools is trying to work out is a meal plan for kids that depend on that service.  "We are working diligently on a plan so if there is a closure we would still be able to offer a meal program much like our summer meal program."  says Stephen Grizzle.

Grizzle also said that information on the corona virus is constantly changing and evolving so he asked for patience and understanding and wanted to assure parents that every decision that they make will be in the best interest of the children and their families. 

If you want more information on Fairbury School's plans you can log on to https://www.fairburyjeffs.org/   In the upper right hand corner there is information for parents from the CDC. 

The complete interview can be heard here:  https://soundcloud.com/trevor-steinmeyer/grizzle-corona-virus-update