HOPE – Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart today announced the suspension of classes for all Hope schools beginning Tuesday, March 17, through the end of Spring Break.

The closure is in response to the announced action of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who said schools across Arkansas are being closed because of “parental concerns” regarding the COVID-19 illness. Gov. Hutchinson’s decision makes the closures mandatory until March 30.

“Hope Public Schools will be closing on Monday, March 16, at 1 p.m. and will be closed for the remainder of the week,” Dr. Hart said. “This short day is an attempt to allow parents some time to plan for child care for the remainder of the week.”

Hart said “Alternative Method of Instruction” days will be used for the week of March 17-20. Materials for the AMI days will be made available to students throughout the district on Monday, he said.

“AMI days 1-3 will be used to make up these days,” he said.“As of now, classes are set to resume on Monday, March 30. If you choose to keep your child at home on Monday, March 16, they will not be penalized for the absence. Please watch our website and social media outlets for further information.”

Parent-Teacher conferences scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled, Hart said.