Local schools impacted by COVID

Two Grimes County school districts resumed classes Monday, Jan. 24, following a brief break due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in students and faculty.

Both Anderson-Shiro CISD and Iola ISD closed their campuses Wednesday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 21. All athletic events were also canceled. Neither district required remote learning during the closure.

Iola administration said the decision was made because they had approximately 145 students out of about 550 district-wide that tested positive for COVID-19 or were in close contact of someone who has. They also had 17 staff members out at the time.

Anderson-Shiro made the announcement to cancel classes Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 18. Superintendent Scott Beene stated the district was monitoring COVID-19 numbers and throughout the day Tuesday, and as the day progressed he said absence numbers increased for students and staff. He said the closure was necessary to hopefully slow the spread in students and faculty at ASCISD. Beene said ASCISD “will not have to make up the three days of missed instruction.”

Although other districts in Grimes County haven’t canceled classes, every district is feeling the impact of COVID-19. There is a need for substitute teachers, substitute staff, as well as bus drivers.

GoldStar Transit, the bus transportation service for Navasota ISD, is actively recruiting drivers. They are offering up to a $1,200 sign on bonus, paying $17.50 per hour and no experience is necessary. Paid training is provided to obtain your Class B CDL. Apply in person at 613 Spur 515 in Navasota or online at sticareers.com. Call 936-825- 1813 for more information.

To learn more about COVID-19 within local school districts, visit each districts website. Job postings are also listed on the website.

Grimes County school districts: Anderson-Shiro, www.ascisd.net; Iola, www.iolaisd.net; Navasota, www.navasotaisd.org; Richards, www.richardsisd.net.