More Schools Go To Distance Learning

(KNSI) – More schools are electing to go to distance learning as the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to surge across Minnesota.

On Wednesday, Minneapolis Public Schools announced they are moving to online instruction for two weeks because the coronavirus has significantly reduced the number of school staff available for in-person learning. Minneapolis Superintendent Ed Graff said district officials made the call to go virtual after about 400 teachers stayed home Tuesday and Wednesday. That’s about double what the district expects during the winter months.

Virtual education will begin Friday, with students returning to the classroom on January 31st. Minneapolis joins a growing list of school districts planning to move to distance learning, including Osseo, Prior Lake, Richfield, Rochester and Shakopee.

Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel told parents he is ordering kids home because their strategy to limit coronavirus cases has worked. Pekel says their infection rate is lower than 10-percent in all school buildings. While classes are moving online, Rochester Schools say extracurricular activities will go on as scheduled.

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