Dallas ISD leaders are weighing their options to keep students and staff safe from the potential spread of the new coronavirus.
School board trustees discussed the district's response to the COVID-19 threat during an emergency hearing Thursday afternoon's board meeting.
Board members discussed taking classes online using 1-to-1 devices and mobile internet hotspots as a way to keep students engaged if a decision is made to close schools. Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa said a decision on closures will be made by March 19, during the district's spring break holiday.
"This (virus) is evolving," Hinojosa said. "All of this is situational and we will continue monitoring. But we are ready to pivot at a moment's notice."
The district's food and nutrition services is working on a plan to keep students fed even if campuses are closed.
There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or staff within the district.
Dallas County health officials have so far announced three presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 this week.
Effective immediately, all district events and activities are canceled until further notice, the Dallas ISD tweeted late Thursday afternoon. This includes UIL events, athletics, field trips, after-school programs and other campus activities.
