"I've got over 30 years of educational experience...I've never seen anything like this." An Illinois

Illinois schools are closed until March 30th.

We spoke to an Ill.

School leader on what's being done in the meantime.

Decision was made.

We begin our team coverage with more on school closures in illinois.

The coronavirus outbreak has prompted schools across the nation to take emergency action.

In illinois this means all schools will close tuesday through the end of the month.

Today... news 10's richard solomon met with a regional superintedent of illinois schools to learn more about what's happening in jasper and crawford counties.

Richar} there are more than 800 public school districts in illinois.

Regional superintendent monte newlin is in charge of 5 of those school corporations.

Including jasper and crawford counties.

He says this is all because of the rapid spread of covid-19 -- or the coronavirus.

V} as we know... there have been dozens of the coronavirus cases reported in illinois.

Newlin says... "there could" be more that haven't been reported yet.

They don't want to take that chance.

So... schools will close on tuesday..

Newlin says the extra day -- monday -- gives parents... and teachers some time to prepare for things like child care services and at-home lessons.

Illinois schools do have "5 emergency" e-learning days.

Those aren't required like they are here in indiana.

He says after those run out... they could switch to "act of god" days which would not have to be made up.

So} "i've got over 30 years in education, in public education and i've never seen anything like this.

Kids will get educated and we'll learn lessons, a lot of lessons from this, what to do, what not to do, and at the end of the day everybody's going to be okay."

Richar} newlin says students will still be fed.

Most schools in state will serve grab and go lunches until schools reopen again.

Back to you.

This -- of course -- is impacting all course -- is this -- of this -- of course -- is impacting all other illinois schools in the wabash valley.

Marshall community schools will be in session monday... and close starting tuesday through the end of the month -- just like the rest.

For details about schools in your community in indiana and illinois... visit our website... wthitv-dot-com.