Several Kansas school districts have announced an early start to winter break as a surge in flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses has led to record levels of student and staff absences.
District officials from across the state, including in Wichita, Topeka, and Salina, confirmed this week that they will close schools earlier than planned due to widespread illness disrupting classroom operations. Many schools have reported attendance rates dropping below 80%, with some classes left without available substitutes. Administrators say the break will give families time to recover and prevent further spread of illness during the final days before the holidays.
Massive Wave of Illnesses
“Our schools are experiencing unusually high rates of illness among both students and staff,” said Jennifer Thompson, spokesperson for the Wichita Public Schools. “The best option at this point is to begin winter break early to ensure everyone gets the rest and care they need,” according to NBC News.
The early closure decisions vary by district. Wichita Public Schools will begin winter break on Friday, December 19, four days earlier than scheduled. Topeka Public Schools will close starting December 20, while Salina and Lawrence districts have set December 21 as their final in-person day. All are expected to resume classes after the New Year on their normal return dates in early January…