Increased COVID cases, staff shortage forces Northeastern schools to switch to remote learning

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

An increase in coronavirus cases and staff shortages this week forced the Northeastern Local School District to pivot to remote learning at most of its buildings, officials announced.

The buildings affected are South Vienna Elementary, Rolling Hills Elementary and Northeastern Middle and High schools.

The first day of remote learning was Wednesday, and that format will remain in place until Friday, Superintendent John Kronour said.

The holiday break starts on Monday and students return to school on Monday, Jan. 3.

School officials opted for virtual learning after consulting with the Clark County Combined Health District, he said, noting he and his staff will continue to monitor COVID-19 numbers within the schools.

“The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” he said.

According to the school’s COVID-19 dashboard for the week of Dec. 6, the district reported 35 positive and 58 quarantine cases.

Families can pick up lunch at the buildings from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the front door at South Vienna, Rolling Hills, and at the back band door at Northeastern.

Transportation will be provided for students at the Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center and STEM, but South Vienna families will need to be the bus at the elementary school in the morning and after school for pick-up.

Kronour said school activities are still scheduled to take place, but students and parents are asked to follow stricter COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing and hand washing.

The entire district was also closed on Monday due to a staff shortage.

About the Author