Add the Gainesville City School System to the list of public school districts altering in-person learning schedules because of increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the area.
Superintendent Jeremy Williams announced Tuesday morning that the last day for students in a face-to-face format before the holiday break will be Wednesday, Dec. 16.
"Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases and exposures in Gainesville City, Hall County, and other locations our employees reside, we have reached a tipping point where we are no longer able to provide coverage in all of our major departments (school nutrition, transportation, classrooms, nurses, etc.)," Williams wrote in a statement.
Williams said any remote teaching on Thursday and Friday will be up to the discretion of each school. He said students and parents will be responsible for following up on instructional plans with teachers.
In addition, meals will be delivered on each bus route Thursday and Friday beginning at 11 a.m.
Williams said teachers will remain on site at school buildings for the rest of the week.
"Employees will continue to report this week as the Winter Break plans for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting all buildings and rooms begin," Williams said.
For now, the next semester is scheduled to begin on Jan. 6, 2021, but Williams said district officials will monitor numbers and release any updated plans as needed.
