Tuscaloosa City Schools on target for a return to in-person classes, superintendent says

Ken Roberts, The Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read
Superintendent Mike Daria tours the fine arts instruction area inside the new Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Tuscaloosa Sept. 14, 20202. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
Superintendent Mike Daria tours the fine arts instruction area inside the new Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Tuscaloosa Sept. 14, 20202. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]

The superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools said the system is on target for a return to in-person classes on Tuesday.

In a message sent Monday to parents, Superintendent Mike Daria thanked parents for their support.

"Our teachers across this system have been working tirelessly to make sure our in-person learning continues," Daria said. "... these last weeks have been tough and exhausting for all who serve our students. This time allowed them to catch up and prepare for the coming weeks."

Because of a staffing shortage brought on by a surge in coronavirus cases, the system closed Friday and went to virtual learning on Monday.

Daria said that during the days without in-person classes, all school buildings, buses and meal preparation areas were disinfected and cleaned.

TCS: Tuscaloosa City Schools to take temporary break from in-person classes

The outlook for the availability of bus drivers and substitute teachers has improved, he said.

"We are much better prepared for staffing as several staff members are due to return (Tuesday)," Daria said. "Kelly Educational Staffing placed additional personnel to help us process substitute applications in a timely manner."

He added that anyone who is interested in becoming a substitute teacher can call 205-759-3535.

He cautioned that staffing challenges could still arise and that any decisions to close schools will be made on a school-by-school basis with the principal giving parents as much advance notice as possible.

"Please keep in mind that there are times when we do not see the staffing concern until all staff are accounted for in the morning," Daria said.

He closed by saying the system is honored to serve parents and the children.

"We missed not having them in our schools, and we are eager to get back into school," Daria said.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa City Schools set for return to in-person classes Tuesday