In an unprecedented move, the Zanesville City School Board of Education has chosen to move its March school board meeting online following fears of the Coronavirus and to adhere to President Donald Trump’s social distancing recommendations.

The Zanesville City Schools will prohibit the public and media from attending its Thursday school board meeting, limiting attendance to only the district’s board members and essential district staff.

According to a district email, the decision was made by School Board President Vicky French. The order also includes moving the location from Zanesville High School to the district’s administrative offices at 956 Moxahala Ave. in Zanesville.

The district makes the decision following a three-page guidance letter sent out earlier this week by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who cites Dr. Acton’s actions both legally and by recommendation to limit the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

While Yost makes clear that the letter is ‘unsolicited, non-legal advice,’ he says, “it is reasonable to read the OMA’s “in person” requirement as permitting a member of a public body to appear at a public meeting via teleconference.”

He follows by providing guidance should members of the public body (e.g. school board members) wish to attend virtually by phone or other means, in which he lays out recommendations should telecommunications be interrupted.

Yost also strongly reminds all officials that a quorum must be present and that all deliberations between elected officials be heard by the public listening or watching the meeting remotely.

Anyone wishing to ask questions of the school board should email Treasurer Mike Young at myoung@zanesville.k12.oh.us prior to Thursday’s school board meeting.

Those planning to watch Zanesville’s school board meeting should use the following link at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19:  Click here (pscp.tv/ZanesvilleBlueDevils).