Shelby County Delays Return To School Until February

Students in Shelby County will have to wait at least two months before returning back to school in-person. Shelby County Schools made the decision to extend off-campus learning until February rather than returning in January as was previously scheduled.

"We recognize the pandemic presents a growing set of challenges for all our principals, teachers, support staff, families are students," Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray said in a statement. "During times like this, our FAITH can be tested, and it can be hard to imagine brighter days, But, I know we can get through this as we work TOGETHER on behalf of our children."

Students will return to school no earlier than February 8 for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and February 22 for sixth through 12th grade.

"We know that our families were looking forward to our schools reopening and we understand the importance of returning to the classroom," said Miska Clay Bibbs, School Board chair. "We hope our community recognizes that this decision has been made in the best interest of health and safety for our students and employees."

The extension comes as Tennessee experiences a surge in new coronavirus cases and deaths, and Shelby County continues to lead the state in total number of cases. On Friday (December 11), the state reported 7,289 new cases and 87 additional deaths. More than 2,600 patients are currently hospitalized for COVID-19.

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