Education

COVID staffing shortages force another southwest Illinois school district to adapt

By Megan Valley
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike gives a COVID-19 update on Dec. 27, 2021 in Chicago. On Thursday, O’Fallon Township High School 203 announced that school has been canceled Friday because of staffing shortages amid the latest COVID-19 wave.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike gives a COVID-19 update on Dec. 27, 2021 in Chicago. On Thursday, O’Fallon Township High School 203 announced that school has been canceled Friday because of staffing shortages amid the latest COVID-19 wave. Illinois Department of Central Management Services

O’Fallon Township High School 203 is the latest metro-east school district having to adapt during the current spike in COVID cases.

School is canceled on Friday, Superintendent Darcy Benway told staff and families in an email sent Thursday, citing staffing shortages. There will be no remote learning, but students were encouraged to take home any materials they’d need for remote learning Thursday.

Thursday was the students’ first day back from winter break, according to the district calendar. Benway said in the email that if remote learning days are necessary next week, information will be sent out before the end of the weekend.

At least eight metro-east school districts have announced changes this week, citing either staffing shortages or broad concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 44,089 new cases across the state, which is a record.

Here’s what some other school districts announced this week:

  • Belleville School District 118 will be remote Friday.
  • Belleville Township High School 201 is remote through this week because of staffing concerns.
  • Cahokia School District 187 will be remote through Jan. 14.
  • East St. Louis School District 189 is remote through Jan. 14.
  • Edwardsville CUSD 7 is keeping its older students remote through this week, while K-5 students attend class in-person, as scheduled.
  • Granite City School District 9 will be remote starting Friday, with plans to resume in-person Jan. 24.
  • Mascoutah School District 19 students will be on an adjusted in-person schedule next week, with the school day shortened for middle and high schoolers.
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