. Many districts are relying on short- and long-term substitute teachers to fill gaps in classrooms — including Fairfax County Public Schools, which is 99 percent staffed.
Michelle Reid, superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, said Monday that educators are being recruited daily, and efforts are being made to retain staff members.This is Reid’s first year leading the Fairfax system. She was selected for the position by the school board in April to succeed Scott Brabrand whose contract ended June 30.
“We’re going to do everything we can to mitigate the risk, but there’s still a risk,” Reid said, adding that school buildings would be vigilantly disinfected.students still wore masks on the first day. Coronavirus mitigation protocols have been loosened in most school districts, following . Coronavirus vaccines are not required for students, but are required for staff in some school districts, such as in Alexandria City schools.