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Habersham County school students will return to the classroom on January 25. They’ve been learning online since January 7 following an extended Christmas break.
The board of education delayed in-person instruction due to the post-holiday COVID-19 surge and its impact on staffing. The day before schools were set to reopen on January 5, Habersham County reported 12 bus drivers and 35 staff members were out of work. The shortage of personnel prompted the county to delay students’ return to the classroom.
Data shows the staffing situation has somewhat improved. As of January 22, Habersham Schools reported 25 staff members were absent due to COVID-19.
The county’s two-week COVID-19 positivity rate has also improved. While it’s still considered high at 15.8%, it’s significantly lower than the 23% where it was when classes moved online.