August 20, 2021 2:00 p.m. 

South Umpqua High School is delaying the first day of school until Tuesday, September 7th.

Superintendent Kate McLaughlin of the South Umpqua School District said the high school will be sharing detailed first week information and schedules with students and families this week.

McLaughlin said there are currently multiple high school staff members in isolation or quarantine, and that the school has “…sadly lost a beloved staff member due to COVID-19”. McLaughlin said they do not have the number of staff needed to provide in-person instruction. She said the delay will allow the high school community to grieve the passing of the staff member, and will also allow the staff that are currently sick with COVID-19 to have the opportunity to heal and return from quarantine.

A release said while other South Umpqua schools are also facing staff shortfalls due to COVID-19, they currently are adequately staffed and plan to continue with their original opening day schedule of August 30th.

McLaughlin said the district will follow and maintain the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education guidelines; namely practicing hand washing, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, along with requiring people to wear facial coverings while inside buildings. When appropriate, health screenings will be conducted.

Those with questions about individual school schedules, should call their child’s school office.