Schools in Colorado are facing such a significant shortage of staff that Denver public schools will move three schools to remote-learning this week, while the other three metro area districts are canceling classes altogether.
Adams 14 School District, Boulder Valley School District and Adams 12 Five Star Schools are closing schools on Friday because they can’t find enough teachers and other staff. Schools in those districts will also remain closed for Veterans Day on Thursday.
“We are doing everything in our power to keep our schools open and maximize individual learning opportunities for our students,” DPS spokesman Will Jones said in an email. “At the same time, we are facing a critical staffing shortage, like districts across the country, which affects our ability to operate our schools safely.”
In Denver, George Washington High School will begin classes online Wednesday. The school will remain in remote-learning until at least Friday, although online classes may be extended until November 19, according to a letter to parents.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College is scheduled to go remote on Thursday and Friday. However, it is possible that schools will step in sooner – on Wednesday. The John H. Ames Elementary School will go far and wide on Thursday and Friday, Jones said.
School districts have faced many challenges in returning to school during the coronavirus pandemic, including a lack of options, school nurses and bus drivers. Schools have also faced supply chain disruptions, forcing them to reduce food choices during the midday meal.
Jones said DPS is working with schools to determine if they can work safely, and when they are unable to do so they are moved to remote-learning, DPS said. The goal is to notify families the day before by 4 p.m.
“We are taking it day by day and doing our best to cover those schools that need additional staff,” he said.
Adams 14, which announced its decision on Monday, said it was canceling classes across the district due to a lack of substitute teachers and staff in its transportation and nutrition services departments, according to a Facebook post from the district. https://www. denverpost.com/2021/11/05/boulder-valley-school-district-staffing-shortage-cancels-classes/
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our family and staff members,” the district wrote, adding that the shutdown “will be treated as a snowy day.”
