Nebraska’s top education official is asking school districts to stay closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

That recommendation was made by Education Commissioner Matthew L. Blomstedt in a letter last Wednesday to public school superintendents, private school administrators and educational service units.

Describing the COVID-19 pandemic as “the most consequential times of most of our lives,” he said that “schools SHOULD NOT return to normal operations this school year.” Blomstedt said it’s a recommendation because he lacks the authority to require it – that is ultimately decision up to the governor and public health officials, as well as local school authorities.

“This is a unique moment in time and I understand if you have doubts about the severity of this crisis,” Blomstedt said in the letter, making it clear he has no doubt about the threats posed by the spread of COVID-19. “As UNMC’s Chancellor Gold has stated, it would be best to be five minutes early than five minutes late. I hope we are in the five minutes early phase in Nebraska.”

Blomstedt said closing school buildings is not enough, adding that communities, families, businesses, churches, nursing homes and individuals have to change their behaviors as well, in an effort to avoid deaths and more extreme public health measures.

The result of keeping schools closed to students isn’t “school as normal” through distance learning, but instead offering enrichment to support students broadly.

Families with the greatest needs should be priorities, he said, such as those receiving adjusted special education services, services for students in poverty and English learner services.

Graduating seniors should also receive additional attention to make sure they are ready for advancement, Blomstedt said.

Following rules and regulations should be the least of schools’ concerns, he added. The Nebraska Department of Education will work with school attorneys to interpret laws in-the-moment.

“Education in Nebraska and across the nation will be profoundly changed by this moment, but how, I cannot tell you,” Blomstedt said. “Instead, I know that doing what is right for our families and communities is what will sustain us and launch us into the recovery efforts.”