CRESWELL — Creswell public schools and many of their supporting agencies are closed March 16-31 to protect students, staff and community members and help slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
The ripple effect on families already is being felt – something not lost on government officials or the directors of programs providing services for youngsters.
Laura Rariden, director of Creswell Clubhouse, a nonprofit program serving about 70 kids at Creslane Elementary School, has tried to be “as proactive as possible” in helping parents relying on the program from the time the school day ends until they get off work.
Rariden said she reached out to Creswell School District superintendent Mike Johnson and was told that the state-mandated school closure meant no programs could be delivered on campus.
She has also reached out to city manager Michelle Amberg to explore the possibility of opening a limited program at Creswell Community Center if closures last longer than expected.
“That is, if I can secure staff willing to work and the state doesn’t apply more mandates,” Rariden said. “It’s all totally up in the air right now.”