SPS Closure Due to COVID-19

March 13, 2020 – We have kept our schools open for as long as we believe has been possible, as recommended by state and local public health authorities. We know that our schools are much more than education centers for our families. They provide important support and we know that closure will impact on our families.

However, after much consultation today with Mayor Sarno, health authorities and with other superintendents, Springfield Public Schools has made the decision to close until March 27, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means all school-based programs and events are cancelled. The Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center is also closed. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday, March 27, 2020.

Please know that the district is operating out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our staff and students. Further information and guidance will be forthcoming as we all deal with the COVID-19 pandemic together.

For students and families:

Springfield Public Schools students will have an opportunity to access education instruction and enrichment resources on the Springfield Public Schools website and social media channels in the coming days.
The district’s food service provider Sodexo will set up meal centers at several locations during the closure. The sites will be located at the following schools: Bowles, Commerce, Dorman, Glickman, Indian Orchard, Kensington, Liberty, Lincoln, Rebecca Johnson, Talmage, Warner and Washington. Meals will be available at the front door for breakfast and lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to any person 18 years old or younger. Identification is not required.
The Parent and Community Engagement Center and Central Office will remain open during the school closure.

Springfield Public Schools staff will experience no interruption in pay due to the closure.
Teachers who have materials at schools that they need to access, may pick them up on Monday, March 16^th.
The closure will be considered a school closure and not a district closure. This means the following groups are NOT required to report to work: Students, Unit A Members (teachers), School Nurses (RN), Substitute Teachers, Traffic Supervisors (School), Bus Monitors, Lunch Aides, Paraprofessionals, (Teacher Aides, LPN’s, Health Assistants), Any other staff whose annual work schedule coincides with the teachers annual work schedule. On School Closure Days, these groups will be paid as governed by their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements, if applicable.

The following groups ARE required to report to work: Principals, Members of the Administrators Union, Non-Union Administrators, Civil Services Clerks, Operation of Plant (Custodians) Staff, Facilities, (Tradesmen) Staff, Non-Bargaining Employees, Parent Information Center Staff (excluding Unit A Staff), Central Office Non-Union Administrative Support Staff, Technicians Union. Operation of Plant personnel are governed by the terms of their Contract, for snow removal and emergencies.