Gibraltar Closing School Thursday and Friday

Staffing shortages and increasing numbers of COVID-19-positive students and staff have led to a decision by the Gibraltar School Board to close the entire school on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 27-28.

There was already no school on Wednesday, Jan. 26, due to a scheduled professional development day for staff.

The District will resume in-person teaching and learning for all K-12 students beginning Monday, Jan. 31.

The district went to virtual-only classes this week for the younger students. Superintendent Tina Van Meer said in a communication to the district’s community that as of last Friday, the district had 15 staff and 88 students out either testing positive, isolating pending test results or in quarantine as close contacts.

“The elementary has been significantly impacted this past two weeks,” Van Meer said. “With only 27.4% of children ages 5-11 vaccinated, this population of students remains more vulnerable to contracting and spreading the virus.” 

Closing the entire school for the remainder of the week is a continued attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, and will “also provide a mental health boost to our students and employees,” Van Meer said.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this public health crisis,” Van Meer said.