In an emergency meeting Friday night (3/13/20), the Morongo Unified School Board voted to close all schools for at least the next week. Z107.7 News was allowed to attend over a telephone link. Superintendent Tom Baumgarten said in the response to efforts to stem the Coronavirus outbreak, the closure is ordered by the State and he has been on contact with other Riverside and San Bernardino County Superintendents. While students will not physically attend school, teachers will be required to come to work and will prepare lessons to continue education online. Board member Karalee Hargrove asked about school feeding programs. Baumgarten said students will be allowed to pick up all 3 meals a day in a single bag each day. The schools will close for a minimum of 5 days, with an option to extend as needed. Details on the teachers work schedules and requirements still remain to be worked out. The MTA registered an objection to the requirements to go to work because of health danger. The motion was to close schools from March 16th to 21, it was passed unanimously. More information will be issued by the district as the plans are solidified.
