Centre cancels classes because of illnesses

Centre schools will be closed Thursday and Friday because of an outbreak of illnesses.

According to a posting by Superintendent Daniel Ackland, 20% of the districts’ students are out sick with illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and other viral infections and stomach bugs.

With limited staffing Wednesday, the district decided it was not sustainable to remain open because substitutes also were sick or had sick children.

Centre’s day care operation also will be closed.

Schools remained open until their normal dismissal time Wednesday.

“We do not make these decisions lightly and understand the impact this can have and inconvenience it can cause,” Ackland wrote.

The district hopes to give everyone a chance to get healthy and return to school Monday, he said.

Coaches and sponsors will be in contact with participants regarding the status of activities and games happening over the next few days.

Centre’s girls’ basketball team forfeited a game Tuesday night against Goessel.

Centre is the second Kansas school district to close for two days because of illness. Attica in Harper County was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.