JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Editor's note: The Colorado Education Association (CEA) canceled the Day of Action at the Capitol scheduled for Thursday, March 19, because of public health concerns over the spreading of the COVID-19 virus. CEA plans to roll out a "virtual" day to offer educators, parents, students and public education supporters the opportunity to participate and have a powerful impact at the legislature from home.
Jefferson County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, March 19 due to the expected absence of teachers participating in the "Educator Day of Action" being planned by the Colorado Educators Association (CEA).
CEA is planning a march on the Colorado State Capitol beginning at 8 a.m.
Jeffco Public School officials said school will be closed to students because the current number of teachers who have submitted an absence has exceeded the maximum number that can be covered by guest teachers.
"Even with calling in as many substitutes as possible, we will not be able to run academic programs and the lack of sufficient staff creates an unsafe school environment," school officials said in a statement.
Jeffco Public School officials said March 19 will be a regular workday for all district employees, and anyone who wants to participate in the CEA march must use personal leave. The use of sick leave will not allowed.
Extracurricular activities will proceed as scheduled unless school officials say otherwise. Some charter schools may not close, and those parents are asked to check with their child's school.
School will resume as regularly scheduled on Friday, March 20. Officials said there will not be a makeup school day unless there are more snow days before the end of the year.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Politics
