Jamestown School pivots to remote learning due to substitute shortage

UPDATE: Jamestown C-1 closure to continue Wednesday

The Jamestown C-1 School closed briefly this week to pivot to remote learning due to substitute teacher shortages.

Superintendent Gretchen Guitard said Monday that Jamestown would be closed through Tuesday after the district office received several substitute requests late Sunday evening, rendering the district unable to sufficiently cover classrooms throughout the building.

More information is to be provided regarding the rest of the week as additional details are shared with administrators, Guitard said Monday.

Three of the school's staff absences were unrelated to coronavirus cases, and two other district employees are currently waiting for guidance from health professionals regarding whether they can return to work, Guitard said Monday.

Guitard said the majority of the school's certified staff members, including both Guitard and Principal Jake Watson, have had to use plan time to substitute when needed due to the recent shortages.

"Administration and staff are working very hard to provide in-seat instruction," Guitard said. "I recognize that distance learning is not ideal in most cases. However, multiple situations are beyond our control. I appreciate everyone's patience and support with the continuation of our school year."

Meals will be delivered to students who requested meal drop-offs during school closures last spring, and meals will also be available at the front office for pick-up between 11 a.m.-noon.

In the event that virtual instruction is extended and a student should be added to the list for meal delivery, families should contact the front office.

This article was updated at 2:50 p.m. Nov. 3, 2020, with new information.