(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Jan. 12 Meeting postponed

Trustees postpone board meeting due to COVID staffing challenges

Jan 11, 2022 | 5:55 PM

With expected staffing challenges in the days ahead across Red Deer Public Schools as a result of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, the Board of Trustees has postponed its regular public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12.

District officials say the meeting will now take place on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 1:00 p.m.

“Looking at staff absences due to illness the first two days back after the extended Christmas Break, we are anticipating staffing shortages among teachers and other staff over the next few days as a result of the Omicron variant,” says Chad Erickson, Superintendent of Schools. “Since returning to school, we have seen an increase in substitute teachers providing coverage, as well as a reduced number of substitute teachers prepared to cover classes given the current circumstances.

“Our desire is to have students learning at school,” continues Erickson. “Our focus right now needs to be providing quality teaching and learning and making transitions where and as needed.”

“Like many other sectors, the current Omicron variant is spreading fast and has created staffing challenges for many organizations,” adds Nicole Buchanan, Board Chair. “Our staff continue to do outstanding work and we need to make sure we do what we need to do to keep students and staff well and safe. Our Senior Administration needs to be focused on responding to these challenges and making key decisions, thus the delay in the Board meeting.”

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With the extended Christmas Break, district officials say teachers prepared for a variety of potential outcomes and will do their best for every student. Officials concede these circumstances have come sooner than they were hoping but admittedly, it was anticipated.

“We want students and teachers to be in our schools and classrooms–it’s where the best learning takes place. That is our priority, while keeping everyone healthy and well,” says Buchanan. “While we want to continue as normal as possible, potential staffing challenges may cause classes and/or grades to shift to online learning. Parents and students need to be prepared for those possibilities, should they occur.”