With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Laclede County, the Lebanon R-3 School District is working to keep children safe while keeping them in the classroom. The biggest challenge, according to Superintendent Dr. David Schmitz, is having enough staff to provide those kids with an in-person education.
“The biggest challenge we are facing is staffing,” Schmitz said.
As of press time, the district has reported 27 positive cases within their system. Schmitz said that many of those positive cases have been staff members. He said that the problem goes beyond a teacher shortage because of illnesses or quarantines. He said that the district is also struggling to have enough support staff. One of the biggest shortages is in the district’s transportation department.
“We are at the cusp of being unable to complete transportation because of bus drivers and monitors,” Schmitz said.
For more on this story see Saturday's LCR.
