SMSD to close all schools until April 3 amid coronavirus concerns

The Shawnee Mission School District has announced a closure of all district schools until April 3 amid concerns regarding COVID-19, the coronavirus. SMSD staff will be paid for the duration of the closure.

The SMSD is planning how to proceed with classes during the closure, considering students were set to return from spring break on March 23, several weeks before April 3.

“The district is engaged in planning on how to manage this closure, including contingencies for how to respond if the closure extends beyond April 3,” the SMSD said in an email to parents and faculty. “In the meantime, we are currently working on meal distribution for children in need and will share that in a future communication.”

Decisions regarding the coronavirus were made in keeping with the Johnson County Department of Health and the Environment.

Any further decisions — such as whether or not an extension of the closure would be appropriate — will be made in keeping with the department, according to a source close to the SMSD.