Ricketts: Students can advance to next grade by next fall

Nebraska education leaders say they are very proud about public and private schools across the state for quickly learning to operate under a different learning environment.

At the Governor's press conference Friday, the State Commissioner of Education says they relaxed their policies to help schools adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Matthew Blomstedt recommends schools keep their buildings closed for the end of this spring semester. Blomstedt says the only way schools can open their doors again is with the recommendation of the public health department or state officials.

Blomstedt knows high school seniors are worried about completing course work. He says if students completed 3/4 of their work so far, the state will work with schools to ensure they will get a diploma.

Governor Pete Ricketts says by late summer there are possibilities that some of the "10 person recommendation" will be less restrictive, so he says a ceremony, like graduation, may be held when its safe to do so.

Ricketts says students completing school work this spring should be able to advance a grade next fall.