TWO HILLS - As of Dec. 9, Two Hills Mennonite School has been closed to in-class learning, due to an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, specifically among staff members.
During Wednesday's St. Paul Education Regional Division meeting (SPERD) Superintendent Glen Brodziak spoke about the decision to close the school from Dec. 9 to Dec. 18, which then leads into Christmas break.
Students from kindergarten to Grade 6 were still attending regular classes at the K-12 school, while students from Grade 7 to 12 had shifted to at-home learning, as mandated by the provincial government.
"We just had too many positives in our staff," said Brodziak, adding a lack of substitute teachers is being noted across the division. A number of staff members and students have also been required to isolate in Two Hills.
Brodziak noted that the school has been adhering to all measures that are in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Board chair Heather Starosielski stated the decision was made in consultation with Alberta Education.
On Dec. 8, the school division sent out a letter confirming the sixth positive case at the school, which was a staff member.
The County of Two Hills region on the Government of Alberta COVID-19 map shows 40 active cases in the region. The map also shows one death in the region due to COVID-19.
*Story was updated to reflect the number of positive cases at the school, according to the most recently available information.
