Tuscaloosa City Schools To Close Friday Due To Staffing Shortages

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools will be closed on Friday due to staffing shortages from a rise in COVID-19 cases and a lack of substitutes.

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The city school system said Monday would serve as a virtual learning day, with schools set to resume in-person learning on Tuesday.

In a letter to parents Wednesday evening, TCS said it has only been able to fill approximately 42% of its teacher vacancies, which has depleted the pool of substitutes available for in-person learning.

TCS went on to say this will allow its transportation department to address projected absences of drivers, with nearly two-dozen projected absences.

"We are very close to not being able to provide this essential service," TCS said. "This time will allow us to get our drivers back from leave while providing us an opportunity to disinfect all of our buses."

At present, TCS reports 2.93% of its students are positive with COVID-19, in addition to 3.68% of its faculty and staff. Daily attendance for city schools is roughly 84%.

"By building in a block of time (January 21-24) with students at home, this will allow an opportunity to decrease the current staffing challenges," the school system said. "We will also use these days to disinfect our school buildings. Further, our teachers will be able to build back their classroom planning while other departments assess needs for future operations."

Looking ahead, TCS stressed that it will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.

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