Standing outside the Michaelian Office Building, Westchester County Executive George Latimer declared a “State of Emergency” for the County. This will allow the County to take more expedient measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic currently facing our entire nation.
Latimer said: “Our society faces a challenge ahead of us that can only be compared to what was faced when wartime provisions were enacted in our Nation. Like then, we will overcome this. It may not be overnight – but it will be together. We must ensure we are doing all we can do protect all who live in this great County.”
The State of Emergency Declaration and subsequent Order reads:
“All public and private schools situated in Westchester County shall be closed to all students and staff except for the performance of administrative, instructional, professional and classified staff functions as determined by each school or school district. Such functions may include the provision of meals as prescribed by law and subject to guidance by the New York State Department of Health and The New York State Education Department;
“The Order includes schools providing approved educational programs as nonpublic school with an approved special education program (Chapter 853 School) and Special Act School Districts provided that the residential program affiliated with such school and school districts licensed and/or approved by a New York State agency, such as the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and New York State Office of Mental Health, are not impacted by the Order and are subject to directives issues by New York State.”
Following consultation with all 44 school districts in Westchester and current guidance from New York State, the Order will take effect on Wednesday March 18, 2020.
Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents President & Ossining Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Ray Sanchez said: “These are difficult times but we are all committed to support the needs of our communities. School leaders understand the issues are complex and every day continue to evolve. But, we know that working together with our county exec will prepared to respond to the unique challenges.”
White Plains Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Ricca, Ed.D. said: “There are no precedents for the challenges we are presently facing. We are all committed to our children, our faculty/staff members and our communities. We recognize how important it is that we continue to support our families and our districts. We are blessed to have such a strong partnership with the County and County Executive Latimer, and we are grateful for the leadership that will allow us to support our communities through this event. Working together, we will meet the challenges that arise daily.”