Due to recent outbreaks of flu and strep throat, the Morgan County R-2 School District was dismissed early on Wednesday and is out of school today and Friday. High Point R-3 School had school Wednesday, but is closed today and Friday to disinfect the school from the flu virus.
The Class 3 District 10 Tournament was moved from Versailles to Cole Camp for Wednesday's and today's games.
High Point R-3 Superintendent Toni Westbrooks said: "High Point R-3 values the health and safety of our students and staff. The school board's policy is, "When the building attendance rate hits 25 percent absenteeism due to illness, parents will be notified, and the building will close for 48 hours.'"
Westbrooks said the absenteeism rate began to climb during the past few days due to various illnesses, but it was not until Tuesday the building absentee rate rose above the 25 percent threshold with several teachers home due to illness as well.
At that time, the board president was notified, and the policy was enacted.
"We remained open on Wednesday," Westbrooks said, "to give parents the time to find child care. On Wednesday, the absentee rate due to illness was recorded to be 47 percent. The building was wiped down thoroughly with disinfectant and now will be fumigated and washed down before the students return to school Monday.
"We hope that our students and staff will have time to recuperate with the additional days off."
Editor's note: An earlier version of this news was posted Wednesday.