Staffing Issues At Elmhurst D-205?

ELMHURST, IL — Seven percent of employees at Elmhurst School District 205 are expected to be absent when students return to class Thursday.

In an email to Patch, district spokeswoman Tonya Daniels said 100 employees would be out — 46 of whom cited coronavirus-related reasons. The district has a total of 1,156 employees.

Daniels said she didn't have a specific number of expected absences among teachers. The district has more than 600.

The district has maintained it is committed to in-person learning, while a few of its counterparts in the suburbs are starting the new year remotely.

Over the last month, coronavirus cases have surged in Elmhurst and around the country. This week, Elmhurst Hospital saw a record-breaking number of coronavirus patients, now at 98. The community as a whole experienced 500 more cases last week, the highest number during the pandemic.

On Wednesday night, District 205's superintendent, Keisha Campbell, issued a video statement about the return to school.

"We are aware of the reports of increased COVID cases in our community, but I want to assure you that we remain steadfast in our dedication to in-person learning," Campbell said. "Leaders across our district have been planning for tomorrow’s return."

She said the district would change its pandemic plan as needed to ensure a healthy environment.

"Students will be reminded to socially distance and regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer," Campbell said.