Red River Parish Schools are given an extended holiday. Today Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a proclamation halting all K-12 public schools in the state until Monday, April 13th. This is due to the continuing COVID-19 spread.
The Governor’s proclamation covers public schools. There has been no decision reported concerning classes at Riverdale Academy. Catfish Bend Academy posted that if parents are not comfortable with students coming, contact the school. They said classes will still be in session.
In addition, the proclamation by Edwards bans all gatherings of 250 people or more.
Northwestern State University and other colleges in the state are moving to computer learning classes and ending in-person instruction.
Earlier this week The Journal reported that Green Meadow Haven was restricting visiting hours and recommending that family only come. The situation has changed and now all nursing facilities in the state are closed to all visitors. There are exceptions for family in limited situations. Check with your nursing home before visiting.
And earlier today The Journal reported that Clerk of Court Stuart Shaw cancelled the voting commissioners instruction session scheduled Monday. Statewide the Secretary of State has delayed the April and May elections. The new dates are June 20th and July 25th.
Early voting was scheduled to start on Saturday. That has now been delayed until May 30th for the June 20th election.
Superintendent of Red River Parish Schools, Alison Hughes issued a local school update Friday afternoon. Hughes said, “We are working with Christus Coushatta hospital, school nurses, the Department of Homeland Security, the Governor’s office, and the Louisiana Department of Education to keep accurate and up-to-date information available to you at all times. This is an unprecedented event in our parish, and we are making every possible effort to keep you informed.”
Hughes added, “We will have press releases, recorded calls, emails, and texts on Tuesday and Thursday next week. Please make sure schools have your updated contact information. We will keep you informed on any new developments, the continuation of services, and instructional materials that will be available. Please make sure to listen to those calls and check your other school information sources.”
“All 10 and 12-month employees will be working at this time,” added Hughes. “All Full-Time employees will be paid on a regular basis. All staff will get more information from principals in the next few days as to what you will need to do.”
Hughes recognized the strain the current situation is placing on famalies in the parish. She said, “We know that this will be a hardship for many families. We share your concerns. As always, your concerns are important to us and we are working to make sure that we address your concerns in a timely manner.”