Shelby County, Hoover schools to close Monday instead of Thursday

The Shelby County and Hoover school systems have joined numerous other systems in closing school three days earlier than required by the governor.

School officials said that, out of an abundance of caution and concern for students and personnel, all Shelby County and Hoover schools will close beginning Monday, March 16.

All school-related activities, including athletics, will be canceled during school closure, the two systems said.

The governor on Friday had declared a state of emergency and ordered that all public schools in Alabama close beginning at the close of business on Wednesday, March 18, and stay closed at least until Monday, April 6.

A statement released Saturday night by Hoover schools spokesman Jason Gaston said all student absences, March 16 through April 6, will be excused.

A statement from Shelby County schools Superintendent Lewis Brooks said that, because students will not be reporting to school on Monday, no e-learning instructional activities will be required during this time.

Parents of Hoover students whose children need meals can pick them up at Green Valley Elementary School at 3200 Old Columbiana Road next week (Monday through Friday) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The meals will be in bags and available for people to drive up, grab and go, officials said.

Brooks said Shelby County officials would release information about breakfast and lunch meals on Monday.

Both Hoover and Shelby County officials directed 12-month employees to report to work on Monday, March 16. Shelby County’s notice also directed school nurses to report to work Monday.