A district-wide closure will take place effective Jan. 13-17 due to a staff shortage across campuses, according to a letter sent out Tuesday evening. The closure comes after a surge in COVID-19 cases across the state and nation. The days will not be virtual learning days, but instead, days taken from the district’s emergency leave days.

“My top concern is the physical and mental well-being of our YPS Family, and this decision will be a huge benefit to them in lasting the rest of the year,” Superintendent Dr. Jason Simeroth said. “The closure will give our teachers and students five full days to regroup and recover.”

The district made the announcement hours after State Secretary of Education Ryan Walters criticized districts for closing.

“The first reaction should not be to shut schools down. It is the last resort,” Walters said on Twitter. “Parents are tired and children suffer when administrators act out of fear and not in the best interests of their kids and their future. I call on schools to use all of their available resources and administrative staff to cover classes to ensure all of our students are given an in-person education option. They should fulfill their obligation to educate our kids in Oklahoma.”

Superintendent of Mid-Del Public Schools, Dr. Rick Cobb, who the tweet is believed to be mostly aimed at, quickly responded.

“It’s insulting that you think this is any district’s first reaction,”  Cobb said in response to Walters. “We’ve been pulling all available staff to cover classes. The fact that #oklaed schools and districts have maintained instruction as long as we have shows your complete lack of situational understanding.”

The district will continue to work with state and local health offices for guidance in response to COVID-19.

Insight OKC Metro School Closure Map

Last Updated: 1/11/22 8:52 PM