Staffing concerns at Saskatchewan schools as COVID-19 cases surge
Global News
Saskatoon Public Schools said a surge in COVID-19 cases is impacting staff and affecting some classes.
The challenges school divisions are facing with the recent surge in COVID-19 cases were not unforeseen, said Shawn Davidson.
The head of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association said school divisions are prepared and have plans in place to deal with an ever-changing situation.
He said, however, there are only a limited number of staff to fill absenteeism and school divisions are facing challenges.
“Divisions are doing the best they can to manage (absenteeism) and to ensure that shifts are covered and that the job is getting done so far,” Davidson said.
“There just are not enough staff available to continue to operate in our normal capacity, and I can’t speak to exactly where or when, that’s all unpredictable, but it’s certainly something that is occurring.”
Saskatoon Public Schools cautioned this is the case at its schools.
In a letter to parents and caregivers Wednesday, the school division said there have been more positive cases in the last eight days in its 61 schools than during the first four months of the school year.
“As of right now, we’ve had 439 positive cases reported from students and from staff members of Saskatoon Public Schools,” said Shane Skjerven, SPS’s director of education.
