Governor Sisolak Signs Emergency Directive to Ensure Safe and Equitable Access to In-Person Learning for All Students

CARSON CITY Nev. – Today, Governor Steve Sisolak announced that he will be issuing Emergency Directive 038 to adjust the COVID-19 directives regarding school operations to ensure that students in every county in Nevada have the opportunity to learn in-person, whether full- or part-time.

 The new Directive allows school buildings that have been offering in-person instruction to some or all students for at least 20 school days to create and implement plans to increase occupancy to 75% of the maximum based on the fire code capacity of each space within a school site or 250 people, whichever is less.

In addition, Directive 038 extends the existing 3 feet social distancing requirement for pre-Kindergarten through 8^th grade students to all students in pre-K through 12^th grade. Adults will still be required to maintain six feet of social distancing from other adults and from students.

“I am proud of the way that school communities have come together to find creative ways to maximize learning opportunities for all students,” said Governor Sisolak. “This Directive will allow even more students to spend time interacting safely with each other and with education professionals, enhancing their academic as well as social-emotional growth.”

Finally, the Directive removes certain restrictions on close- and full-contact sports. These sports resume for competitions subject to the limitations set forth in Directive 034. Full-contact and close-contact sports governed and regulated by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) may commence practice and competitions for full-contact and close-contact sports in accordance with guidance promulgated by the NIAA and the applicable conditions set forth by this Directive.

In accordance with the guidance on youth sports, Directive 038 allows students who are actively exercising as part of physical education or recess outdoors to forego face coverings. In addition, it increases the allowable capacity of school transportation vehicles to 66%.

“I am proud of the efforts of students, families, educators, and support staff across the State who have been working hard to provide safe and healthy environments for learning this school year,” said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The increased flexibility in this Directive demonstrates that we are putting our children first by ensuring equitable access to learning, no matter where they live or attend school.”

“On behalf of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents (NASS), I want to thank Superintendent Ebert and Governor Sisolak for working with us in our efforts to get our school buildings open across our great State during these unprecedented times,” said Russell Fecht, President of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents and Superintendent of Pershing County School District. “This pandemic has challenged us beyond what we could have anticipated over the last 11 months. However, with great leadership and teamwork we will work through this crisis with the united mission of meeting the needs of every student.”