BONNERS FERRY - Following the COVID-19 pandemic spreading into Idaho, schools have been taking precautions and many are temporarily closing down to stop the spread of the virus. Now Boundary County will join those ranks.

A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Boundary County School District 101 was originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 to discuss and decide how to proceed, but the meeting was rescheduled for today, Monday, March 16, due to the possible severity of the matter.

The verdict is that the Boundary County School District will be in session tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17. Starting on March 18, all schools will be closed through April 5.

“All schools in Boundary County Students will return to school Monday, April 6 unless notified otherwise,” said Boundary County School District Superintendent Jan Bayer. “We are prepared to go to online learning starting April 6, if necessary.”

The difficult decision was not unanimous, with a vote of 3-2.

“It is a very difficult recommendation to make to the school board because we have conflicting information on what is best,” said Bayer.

Bayer believes in doing what is best for the students first and foremost.

“My goal is to protect our students, staff, and community,” she said.

Following guidance from the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), all extra/co-curricular activities are also cancelled through April 5.

“Be safe, wash your hands, and please stay home!” said Bayer.