In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Missouri governor Mike Parson made the unprecedented move to cancel all public and charter schools for the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 school year.

“We are ordering all Missouri public and charter schools to remain closed through the remainder of the academic year with the exceptions of nutrition services and child care that are outlined in our recent health order,” Parson said.

According to a release from the Governor’s office, the recommendation was made by working with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and several school superintendents from across the state.

Schools should Parson said, continue remote learning until the end date previously set on their respective academic calendars.