School Closing Friday, January 21, Due to Staff Shortage

All Texarkana Arkansas School District schools will close on Friday, January 21, and return on Monday, January 24. The Texarkana Arkansas School District is currently experiencing staff shortages due to the increased number of positive and quarantine cases as Omicron continues to spread across our community. The district did see a decrease in the number of staff absences after the previous school closure; however, the positive and quarantine numbers among staff have increased once again.

 TASD staff are stretching themselves to the limit to provide COVID-safe learning for all of our students; however, we cannot be successful without adequate resources. The staff shortage coupled with the low number of substitute teachers available limits the district’s ability to staff our classrooms and offices.

 Navigating through this pandemic has been challenging for our staff, students, and the community as a whole; and we try very hard not to close our schools unless it is necessary. We understand the burden that closing our schools causes on some of our families, and we apologize for the short notice.

 All students PreK through 12th grade will use Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) for Friday’s school closure which may include instructional paper packets or digital learning.

 Our custodial services department will continue to deep clean and prepare our facilities for staff and students.