Seattle, Bellevue, Kent schools cancel class on Friday, citing staffing shortages
SEATTLE - Seattle Public Schools and the Bellevue and Kent school districts will be closed Friday due to staffing shortages.
City schools are closed Thursday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day, but SPS and BSD are also cancelling classes Friday, saying they "do not believe [they] have adequate personnel to open schools."
This means no in-person or remote instruction on Thursday or Friday. Seattle schools will make up this day off at the end of the school year.
Bellevue schools are also taking a similar measure, citing "staff shortages, anticipated inclement weather and COVID-19 restrictions." Regularly scheduled after school activities will also be canceled.
Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 15.
Officials recognize that such short notice "creates challenging circumstances for many families."
"We recognize that this notice may result in the need for childcare for families. Right at School, our partner in providing childcare, is on hand to assist those who wish to get quick access to their services. Specific information regarding Right at School will be provided on our website," Bellevue schools said.
Friday, January 28 will be the makeup day for Bellevue.
On Wednesday, the Kent School District will have a makeup day on Friday, March 25.
"I recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff in supporting our students and families amidst extraordinary challenges. Unfortunately, this pandemic has impacted us all in so many ways," said Interim Superintendent Israel Vela. "I know that each of us in Team KSD is working through trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, our staff, at every level, has experienced an unprecedented amount of stress, impacting their mental health. Unfortunately, we cannot safely operate schools with the staff and substitute shortages we are already seeing in our data."
RELATED: COVID-19 vaccine for kids: Jill Biden, surgeon general kick off US campaign
READ MORE: Schools playing major role in youth vaccination effort
Stay connected with FOX 13 News on all platforms:
DOWNLOAD: FOX 13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: FOX 13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: FOX 13 on YouTube
DAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our Newsletter
FOLLOW: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram