Charleroi students won’t return to class until Jan. 4
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Charleroi Area students will not head back to class until after the new year.
Students moved to a temporary virtual learning model Nov. 23 and had been expected to return to class Dec. 7.
On Tuesday, Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said because the level of community transmission of COVID-19 has not changed, students will continue to learn virtually until at least Jan. 4.
“Our hope was to return in early December, but there are several factors that impacted our decision,” Zelich said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education and state Department of Health recommend virtual learning for all counties with a substantial rate of transmission.
Counties in the substantial category have positivity rates above 10%. Counties that remain in the substantial category for 14 consecutive days are advised to move to 100% virtual learning.
Zelich also said a state mandate requiring students and staff members to self-quarantine when returning from out-of-state travel has resulted in a staffing shortage.
The district is concerned about increased exposure surrounding holiday gatherings and events, Zelich added.
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