The Crystal City School District closed its buildings today (Nov. 3) due to a rash of students and staff who are quarantined because of possible exposure to COVID-19.
The district’s schools are expected to be closed for two weeks, and during that time all students will learn virtually – online at home.
Superintendent Matt Holdinghausen said three people – two staff members and one student – recently tested positive for COVID-19, but 16 staff members and 47 students are in quarantine because they were exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.
The district has a total of 54 teachers and 509 students. Of those students, 400 have been taking classes in-person and 109 have been learning strictly online.
“We are on a four-day schedule (having switched from a five-day week schedule this school year). We go Tuesday through Friday. We will be all-virtual for two weeks, with in-person classes returning Nov. 17,” Holdinghausen said.
He said he chose to temporarily move all students to virtual learning as a precaution, but Board of Education members told him they agreed with the move.
“I made the decision and informed (the Board of Education),” Holdinghausen said today. “They approved of my decision.
He said the district has provided Chromebooks for all students who need them for virtual learning.
“Any student who needs as Chromebook can come pick them up,” Holdinghausen said. “Most families have their own already.”
Holdinghausen said he believes district families understand the need to close the school buildings for a couple of weeks.
“I know that this may be difficult for our community, but they’ve been very supportive of our decisions throughout the year,” he said.
The Crystal City Board of Education voted last January to switch the district from a Monday-through-Friday class schedule to a Tuesday-through-Friday class schedule starting with the 2020-2021 school year.
