All public and private K-12 schools in Marion County must close buildings and transition to virtual teaching by Nov. 30 and continue remotely into at least mid-January, the Marion County Public Health ordered Thursday.

Schools have reported more COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, at the same time Indiana is seeing a spike in cases statewide.

Most schools in Indiana started the new academic year with some sort of in-person instruction, but teachers say the so-called "hybrid" learning models are burning them out -- fast.

The Indiana State Board of Education unanimously approved a proposal to maintain full funding levels for schools operating online this fall. School leaders and educators say it offers much-needed stability.

The Indiana State Board of Education is considering a plan to protect funding for schools reopening virtually this school year, after a warning of possible cuts from lawmakers last month.

The awards announced Wednesday will go to 1,366 schools, the vast majority of which are traditional public schools.

Sen. President Pro Tempore Rod Bray (R-Martinsville) sent a letter to school leaders Thursday, saying they could risk up to 15 percent of their state funding if they do not offer in-person classes this fall.

Indiana schools will have access to a grant program aimed at improving remote learning. The $61.6 million for the state-run program comes from the federal CARES Act.

Traditional public school corporations, public charter schools, accredited non-public schools, higher education institutions and other education-related entities are eligible to apply for the funding.

For special education students and their families, finding the right materials and support in schools can be difficult, but the pandemic is forcing schools to rethink what learning looks like -- and how it's delivered.