Autauga schools to remain virtual learning this week

PRATTVILLE — Autauga County Schools will remain virtual learning through this week due to a high number of staff infected with COVID-19.

On Monday, there were more than 130 teachers and support staff with the virus, said Superintendent Tim Tidmore.

"The staff numbers are driving any decision," he said. "We have to be able to pick up the kids, teach them, feed them and get them back home. Right now we can't do that safely or efficiently."

The cases are spread system-wide affecting all 13 schools in the system.

Plans are now to return to in person learning Jan. 24. The schools went virtual learning Thursday and Friday due to rising infection and isolation numbers.

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In Elmore County, due to the number of faculty and staff absences Holtville Elementary, Wetumpka Elementary and Coosada Elementary and Airport Road Intermediate schools have virtual learning on Tuesday, said Superintendent Richard Dennis. All other Elmore County Public Schools will be on a regular schedule.

"We will evaluate the status of each school tomorrow and determine if we are able to adequately return for the next day and then notify parents and students," Dennis said.

Some bus routes may be delayed due to a lack of drivers and substitutue drivers.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Autauga schools to remain virtual learning this week