Hawai‘i Public Schools CLOSED: Return Date Tentatively Set for March 30

Maui Now cover graphics. Virus image: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS

Hawaiʻi public schools will close through at least the end of March due to ongoing concerns for the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ige announced during a press conference held today.

The closure essentially extends spring break by an additional week to March 27, 2020. 

Students are expected to return to school on March 30, instead of the previously scheduled return date of March 23.

According to the Hawai’i State Department of Education, the additional time from March 23-27 will allow school leaders to plan for implementation of social distancing within the school setting, arrange for professional development to support modified operations, and thoroughly clean schools.

Spring break was originally scheduled to run from March 16 to 20 for most Hawai’i State Department of Education schools, and Thursday, March 26, is Prince Kuhio Day, which is a state holiday.

Mililani Middle, Kapolei Middle and Holomua Elementary will be off multi-track schedules for two weeks from March 16 to March 27.

“We understand the impact this will have on our families. This was not an easy decision to make but we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard the health and safety of our students, staff and the broader community while carrying out our educational mission,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said in a press release.

“Public schools serve as hubs of care in our communities, from access to health care to providing free and reduced price meals. We intend to restart school immediately once it is deemed safe to do so to reduce disruption to our school communities and provide consistency for our children.”

All planned school and department-coordinated events of more than 100 attendees are being canceled, effective Monday, March 16, until updated guidance is provided by health officials.

Graduation ceremonies, which are normally held in mid-to-late May, have not yet been modified; scheduling announcements will be made at a future date.