Peoria Unified School District officials say they are doing their best keep schools open amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases since the first day of the new semester, Jan. 3.
When classes ended the fall semester, Dec. 8, 2021, the district recorded 92 cases of the virus among students and teachers. The first week of the new spring semester, officials recorded 976 cases and 1,181 cases had been recorded as of Jan. 13.
PUSD Superintendent Jason Reynolds said in a message to parents that saying the new semester two weeks in has brought challenges would be an understatement. He added many district employees are working extra hours and giving up prep times so students have continuity in learning and adequate supervision.
