From Superintendent Dr. Randy Shearhouse:

Dear ECSD Families:

Thank you for your time and patience during these uncertain times in our state and nation. As of this morning, we have not been made aware of anyone testing positive for the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) within the Effingham County school system. Our system has been following all recommended Health Department and CDC guidelines in our effort to make informed decisions. Nevertheless, this past Friday and Saturday, Governor Kemp and President Trump declared a State of Emergency to combat the spread of the virus in the United States.

Starting on Wednesday, March 18, all schools will be closed until further notice, and all after-school activities will be discontinued starting today, March 16. I do understand that for many, this creates a hardship due to daily work obligations. The scheduled holiday on Tuesday, March 17, will give hopefully allow for one more day of planning time to make the appropriate arrangements for childcare. Teachers will be sending home various activities for students to complete during this extended time away from school, and plans are, also, being made to provide meals for students.

We will continue to re-evaluate this situation on a weekly basis to determine if any changes need to be made regarding the length of time schools are closed. Based on information from other states and indicators from Georgia, be prepared for your children to have an extended amount of time away from school.

We ask for your patience during this time and encourage you to continue checking the following trusted sources for updated ECSD information:
- Local news media
- Effingham County School District Facebook page
- Effingham County School District webpage (www.effinghamschools.com)
- Emails and/or automated phone calls from the school district

Thanks for your understanding, and please remember to follow recommended health guidelines to combat COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Sincerely,

Dr. Randy Shearouse
ECSD Superintendent