LTUSD keeping an eye on COVID-related absences of staff and students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is keeping an eye on current cases of COVID-19 in the community, and the number of teachers and students who are out sick. Depending on those numbers, there is a chance the district will shift to virtual learning at all schools.

LTUSD is averaging almost 50 teacher and instructional assistant absences a day over the last four days, and getting substitutes to cover classrooms has been difficult. There have only been about 23 substitute teachers accepting assignments, or less than half the openings. Additionally, classified staff members, including transportation and food services, are experiencing significant staff shortages.

About one in four students is out with either exposure to COVID-19, or have tested positive.

The staff shortages is not sustainable as those remaining on duty are doing multiple jobs.

"We are nearing a point where we are unable to cover all duties across all classrooms and departments," said LTUSD Press Information Officer Shannon Chandler in an email to parents. "While our goal absolutely is to keep schools open, it cannot be at the expense of the safety of our staff and students, and we are nearing a tipping point."

Should there be a school closure, teachers who are well enough, and to the extent possible, will be asked to provide some level of virtual learning or learning activities. Families will be informed in the coming days as to the status of school.

Bread & Broth volunteers are packing bags of food early for students who normally get them on Fridays. They did not want kids to be without food if there was no school Friday so they will be receiving them on Tuesday.

Chandler said they appreciated everyone's understanding and suport.