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At 5 p.m. Wednesday, all Pike County Schools will close through April 3, as part of the state’s effort to fight the spread of coronavirus.

At Monday’s Pike County Board of Education meeting, Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of Pike County Schools, said the three days allowed parents to make arrangements for child care during the time the schools are closed.

On Monday, attendance was down around 80 percent, an indication that arrangements are being made.

“By Wednesday, I would expect attendance to be down almost completely,” Bazzell said. “Students will not be penalized for these missed days. We will continue to have 12-month employees working at the school sites three days a week. Initially, the central office will be open five days because we have payroll to meet and bills to play. After that, we will downsize to a minimum.”

Bazzell said support will be provided for students who are dual enrolled so they will not lose the college credits.

Grade level on-line activities will be available so students will have learning opportunities available to them during the time school is closed.

“We want our students to keep busy with academic things when school is not in session,” Bazzell said.

Once the school buildings are vacated, they will undergo deep cleaning. Then, cleaning will be suspended until the first day before the students return.

The Child Nutrition Program will have breakfast and lunch available for students with pick-up from 9 a.m. until noon at Goshen High School and Pike County Elementary School.

The Pike County BOE passed a resolution honoring the Pike County High School Boys Class 3-A State Basketball Champions.

The BOE congratulated the state basketball champions and recognized the tremendous amount of dedication and hard work that goes into the making of champions.

“I’m sure you are proud and excited now but, as you reflect on your accomplishment in the future, the more special it will become,” Bazzell said. “This is the first time PCHS has won a state basketball championship. You are to be congratulated.

Bazzell and the board passed a resolution honoring the PCHS basketball champions and their coaches and in acknowledgement of the positive recognition their achievement brings to Pike County High School and to Pike County Schools.

In new business, the board:

• Approved the request to award the bid for the mail box at Goshen High School to Hawk, Inc.

•Approved the request to award the bid for electric can openers for Goshen Elementary School and Pike County Elementary School to Birmingham Restaurant Equipment.

In personnel action, the board:

•Accepted the resignation of Wendy Pittman, special education teacher at Goshen Elementary School, effective May 22, 2020.

• Approved the request to employ Michael Goodson, bus driver.

•Approved the request to employ Whitney Ruggs, science teacher at Goshen High School.

•Approved maternity leave for Coretta Gholston, English teacher at Pike County High School, effective April 15, 2020.

•Approved volunteer status for Thomas Mitchell, soccer at Pike County High School.

•Approved volunteer status for Kendra Avan, softball at Pike County High School.

•Accepted the resignation of Kevin Phillips, bus driver.