November 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Students will return to the classrooms at four of the five schools in DeKalb County on Monday, November 16. The exception will be Smithville Elementary School which will remain on virtual learning through Friday, November 20.
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps announced today (Friday) that DeKalb County High School, DeKalb Middle School, DeKalb West School, and Northside Elementary School will reopen Monday, November 16.
Updated bus information will be released on Sunday, November 15.
All five schools will be closed for the Thanksgiving break November 23-27 as had been scheduled according to the 2020-21 school calendar.
In an announcement this past Monday, Director Cripps extended the virtual learning through today (Friday, November 13) due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases and quarantines among faculty and staff.
All five schools in the district have been on virtual learning since Wednesday, October 28.
“This is an ever changing situation due to the faculty and staff that have been affected. Its not students the reason we canceled school (in person) its due to the lack of faculty and staff and how that has affected the different schools. I know it is frustrating for everyone and I want our kids in school. That is our goal is to get everyone back in school but we are facing challenging times and we have some things we are trying to work through to meet the needs. There will be some limitations when we do go back. There may be bus routes that can’t be run and there may be schools that open while others remain closed. The state made clear to us in the beginning that we don’t necessarily have to shut down the whole district but there are times when we will. Each situation is different but we will get our parents the information as quickly as we can,” said Director Cripps during Thursday night’s monthly Board of Education meeting held via video conference.