The West Ada School District has canceled classes for Tuesday, Oct. 20 with nearly 500 teachers called out sick. In an email sent to West Ada School District families, the district reported 440 teachers who have called out sick for Tuesday.
"We are sadly unable to safely hold school tomorrow due to supervision concerns," the email reads. "This includes students enrolled in Virtual School House, and students who would have been learning remotely. We are continuing to work with the West Ada Education Association to find solutions to their concerns so we can hold school Wednesday."
The district announced classes for Monday, Oct. 19 were canceled last week due to a planned "sickout" by educators over in-person learning plans while the district is in the red category for coronavirus transmission. There will be no in-person or remote learning for students in either Team 1 or Team 2, including Virtual School House, according to the district.
Teachers previously told Idaho News 6 the sick out could last more than one day, but for now, the district plans to continue with alternating in-person learning days starting Tuesday. A memo from Superintendent Mary Ann Ranells says out of 2,145 classroom teachers, 652 have called out, leaving the district with 500 unfilled positions.
Related: Idaho Education Association releases statement of support for teachers
While many teachers have already called out for the second consecutive sick day, West Ada teacher Zach Borman told Idaho News 6 many teachers do not want to go back to in-person learning while in the red category but educators have a limited amount of sick days and fear losing their job.
Students in the district will be able to order and pick up meals on Monday, despite the closures. Families can pick up meals between 10:50 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All meals will be made available by curbside pick-up. For more information, click here.
