Today, I directed @DHSWI to issue an agency order mandating the closure of all K-12 Wisconsin schools, public and private, as part of our efforts to respond to and contain the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.
Closing our schools is not a decision I made lightly, but keeping our kids, our educators, our families, and our communities safe is a top priority as we continue to work to respond to and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.
Kids and families across Wisconsin often depend on our schools to access food and care. We are going to continue working to do everything we can to ensure kids and families have the resources and support they need while schools are closed.
The mandated closure will begin on Wednesday, March 18th, to give school districts ample time to make plans for kids, families, educators, and staff, but school districts may choose to close earlier than Wednesday.
Please continue to find the most accurate and up-to-date information on the status of COVID-19 in Wisconsin at dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-…
Here's a copy of today's order: 
