DES MOINES-- The Des Moines Public School District is closing schools for two weeks because of coronavirus.
Superintendent Thomas Ahart while classes are out for spring break next week, all other school activities, including athletic practices, are being canceled.
In a statement on the school district's website, Ahart says:
"...(this) is a very dynamic situation and we will adjust accordingly if it is in the best interest of our students, staff and families If we hope to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, then we need to act sooner, not later.
This is a difficult decision – and with 33,000 students and 5,000 employees – it is one that has a ripple effect across the city, but I have no doubt that it is the right decision for the health and well-being of our school district and community."
Ahart says it is his goal is to resume classes on March 30th.