Cumberland County Director of Schools Janet Graham said this afternoon schools will remain closed in the county for the rest of this school year. The school system will re-open in August 2020 for students.

The decision came right after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee made his recommendation to close all schools in the state for the remainder of this school year which would have ended normally next month.

Graham said discussions are underway regarding honoring the Class of 2020 graduates. More information, including grade advancement of students, will be released once the Cumberland County Board of Education meets April 23, 2020.

Tennessee Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn said this afternoon schools will open back up in August and students will start their new grades. She will be convening a task force to help address student safety and well-being in the interim.