MADISON, Ala. — Like many school districts around the country, including many in North Alabama, Madison City Schools faces the challenge of trying to balance the needs of students and families with staffing shortages and other issues brought on by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
in a statement today, Madison City Schools Superintendent Ed Nichols explained where the district is and what they are planning to do going forward. He acknowledges the strain that virtual learning days put on families and attempts to address that situation:
"I know you are aware that when we have a snow or virtual day, many of our parents have to miss work and do not have the ability to be virtual or have paid sick leave. A lot of our families are not from here originally and do not have local families to assist with their students.
"So keeping kids in school is my primary goal both for our student's learning needs and their family logistics. However, I know sometimes that is not possible. So, I will just say that our entire system is doing our best to balance how and when to move our schools from the in-person setting based on outside events."
Nichols said that over the past week, 4% of employees and 4% of students tested positive for COVID, and that more were in quarantine due to close contact with people who tested positive. Around 10% of the staff were out this past week for COVID and personal reasons. He says the good news is that almost 50% of those are scheduled to return on Monday.
The next virtual days will be scheduled to allow teachers to plan lessons and review grade-level learning needs. Those days are Jan. 28 and Feb. 4.
Nichols also praised teachers and staff for the work they are doing, and encouraged anyone who can to become a substitute teacher:
"Most of all, I want you to know the tremendous efforts our teachers and staff are making during this time. Some of our teachers have lost planning time as they cover other classes when we cannot find substitute teachers. Also, some of our special area classes such as Spanish, art, music and other classes in our elementary schools have been missing from the daily schedule so these teachers can assist with regular classroom needs.
"So, I ask that in this challenging time, when we are all tired and frustrated, we remember our teachers and staff. Also, if you have the ability in your schedule to become a substitute teacher, please reach out to our HR Department. We can use extra people any day of the week."