Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order today requiring all K-12 schools continue to utilize remote learning practices for the remainder of the school year.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick announced that decision during Holcomb’s daily press briefing and said it was made with the safety of students and school faculty in mind.

“It’s going to take a collective effort to save lives, and schools must do their part,” she said.

Students must either complete 160 total instructional days or 20 days of remote learning from April 2 until the end of the school year.

Holcomb’s order also requires that all high school seniors who were on track to graduate prior to school buildings being closed be provided with the flexibility they need to still earn their diplomas. All exams required for graduation have been waived.

“Our goal is to get you across that stage,” McCormick said.

She also said decisions about graduations is one that will be made by school corporations.

“That’s a local decision. The department has no business getting in the middle of that,” she said.

Also according to this order, expiring teacher licenses will be extended until Sept. 1.