Denver Public School teachers will still get paid despite a three-week school shutdown starting next Monday to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
District spokeswoman Winna Maclaren said in an email all district employees will receive their typical pay, similar to a snow day. School buildings are closing March 18 through April 3 so schools can be disinfected.
The district oversees 93,000 students and has 15,000 employees, including 5,650 teachers and specialized service providers, according to district figures. At least 65 percent of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. The district will be providing free lunch and breakfast at eight locations during the school closures.
Maclaren said they're monitoring what the closure will mean for the school year and for state testing. She did not confirm whether the district is looking into adding additional days to the school year. Maclaren added they will continue, "to look into what this will look like moving ahead. We will share more information as soon as it's available."
There won't be any remote learning during the shutdown since Maclaren said it is an extended spring break. Some entertainment resources available to families include the DPS Library Lion, an online resource providing e-books and audiobooks.
