The Bemidji School District facilities will be closed for the remainder of this week as staff prepares for a possible shift to distance learning.
According to a message sent to district families, the district is struggling to staff buildings due to high rates of illness among staff, for both COVID and flu.
District staff who are able to work will prepare for a possible move to distance learning, with the final decision on a shift expected by Friday.
Bemidji Superintendent Tim Lutz says they will prioritize in-person learning for elementary students based on staffing capacity.
“The District is asking for your assistance in helping us remain in an in-person learning model,” wrote the release.
“Limiting the potential exposure of you and your family during the next few days will be critical. Expanding the number of staff and students who are fully vaccinated will also have a significant impact on our ability to keep students in school for in-person learning.”
Laporte students will have distance learning today and tomorrow, with no school Friday for a staff development day. Laporte Public School says the shift is due to excessive absences among students and staff.
Blackduck School will be off through Tuesday, Jan. 25, and officials plan to resume in-person learning then. Blackduck Schools are crediting the spike in COVID cases for their emergency closure.
