Washington state superintendent on feeding students

State superintendent Chris Reykdal answers your questions about how school districts are providing food and distance learning while both private and public schools are closed in Washington.

Superintendent Chris Reykdal told KUOW's Bill Radke how school districts are mobilizing to provide food to students.

"Thankfully, we had a pretty good food supply chain, because we fed so many kids on free and reduced priced lunch ... Now a bunch of districts have either made [schools] centers for distribution -- family pick up -- or we've seen really innovative things where [the districts] are using their bus drivers to drive regular routes, go to regular bus stops" and provide meals.

A listener asked how they could help or volunteer with providing meals. Reykdal said because districts are working to provide breakfast and dinner, "I would really encourage community-based approaches to dinner," he said. Seattle Public Schools also has a list of ways people can volunteer here.

Reykdal also says the school year will be extended. "We're trying to make sure that that date we think makes sense -- June 19th at this point -- will accommodate some additional time and make up some time."

"Even if the state establishes a date, nothing would preclude a local district if they wanted to go beyond that. They would make that decision on their own."

Listen to the full interview for Reykdal's thoughts on distance learning and equity.