Spokane Public Schools are closed due to staffing shortages related to COVID

Spokane Public Schools decided Monday, January 24, to cancel classes again as the district struggles with staffing shortages due to COVID-19.

SPOKANE, Wash. — A reminder to Spokane parents this morning: Spokane Public Schools (SPS) are closed on Monday, January 24.

The district announced the decision to close in an email sent to parents last week. It comes amid staffing shortages related to COVID-19.

SPS told parents the district is “using all means available” to keep students in the classroom and is following guidance from health officials.

There will be no morning or afternoon childcare on January 24 and sports schedules will be adjusted, according to SPS.

SPS plans to make up for the closure today by holding classes on March 4th. This day was previously designated as Professional Learning Improvement Day.

This latest closure follows another district closure the week before over similar COVID-related issues, saying hundreds of employees were absent and unable to find replacements.

As previously planned, SPS students will be released early on Friday, January 28th. The students were also free from school on Monday, January 31st, due to the semester break.

contact tracing

SPS has introduced a new interactive contact tracing tool available on the district website.

The new interactive form allows parents to enter information about their students’ exposure and symptoms, and gives parents a date when their children can go back to school.

SPS said the new contact tracing form will “increase the efficiency of providing guidance to staff and schools on quarantine schedules.”

SPS encourages parents to monitor their children for symptoms and get them tested if they start showing symptoms of COVID-19.

SEE MORE: Spokane Public Schools is introducing a new contact tracing tool