Traverse City Area Public Schools are open Friday, but the district plans to close schools starting Monday, March 16 after an order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
"The district will be communicating further with families and staff regarding TCAPS' plan for the school closures later today, Friday, March 13, 2020. In the meantime, learning will continue for the day," Interim Superintendent Jim Pavelka said in an email to parents.
Gov. Whitmer's plan calls for schools to close until Sunday, April 5.
According to an email to schools from the Michigan Department of Education Friday, the presumptive number of coronavirus cases in Michigan has jumped to 12.
“Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice said in the email.
Per the Governor's order, Northwestern Michigan College is suspending in-person classes Monday but is leaving campus open. NMC plans to resume face-to-face classes the week of April 27.
"Detailed information and instructions pertaining to each individual class will be communicated to students directly from the instructor. Please regularly monitor your email for updates," NMC president Nick Nissley said to students in an email.
Interlochen Center for the Arts is also asking students to leave campus by Monday and will offer some online alternatives. Benzie Central Schools, Kalkaska Public Schools and Ludington Area School District said they’ll close until April.
IPR will update this story as it develops.
