More school meal programs launched; buildings closed at least until April 24

Most area school districts began food distribution Monday, March 23, including drive-up services like this one taking place last week at Elm Grove Elementary School in Fort Osage. LINC photo

As Kansas City and other jurisdictions invoked shelter-in-place orders for at least a month, plans by most districts to begin food distribution today, March 23, focused on the longer-horizon they had been anticipating.

The Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City announced a joint decision to be closed at least until April 24. The food operations that schools have set up are still allowed under orders such as the decision Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced over the weekend, and they were under way Monday morning.

“We understand the new circumstances are not easy for any of us to process,” Center Interim Superintendent Michael Weishaar said in a statement to Center families. “But we must do our part in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.”

A Kansas City Public Schools staff member tests positive.

Statement from KCPS:

We learned recently that one of our employees has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus. This is the first and, so far, only confirmed case among our approximately 2,400 staff members.

The employee, whose name and position will remain confidential, is being treated at a hospital in the region and is recovering well.  The employee never entered any of our schools or other buildings upon having symptoms.

“On behalf of every member of Team KCPS, I want to express our full support for our teammate who is being treated,” Superintendent Mark Bedell said. “We will provide any help needed to ensure our employee’s ongoing recovery. This is an unprecedented situation. I’m grateful that we have an amazing team who are dedicated to serving our students, families and community.”