Mid-Missouri schools switch to online learning over COVID-19 concerns

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Several mid-Missouri school districts are moving classes online over concerns with COVID-19.

On Monday, Fulton Public Schools announced all of its elementary schools would switch to virtual learning through the end of November. A letter to families said the switch would happen Wednesday to give students and teachers time to prepare. Middle and high school students had switch to virtual learning last Friday.

South Callaway R-II Schools also announced Monday its high school would switch to distance learning immediately. The district said over one-quarter of students and one-third of staff have been affected by positive COVID-19 tests or quarantines leading to that switch. The district plans to get students back in their classrooms on Nov. 16.

A little further north, the Mexico School District will move to virtual learning starting Nov. 16. The district told families Monday that the number of new cases in the district over the last 14 days put the district in its red risk threshold. It added that several employees were so sick they had to be hospitalized. The district plans to have students back learning in-person on Nov. 30.

In Moberly, students make the switch to online learning Tuesday after district officials said the number of staff in quarantine has surpassed that needed to hold in-person classes. Moberly students are expected back in the classroom on Nov. 30 as well.