Tuscaloosa City Schools deep clean ahead of students’ return Tuesday

By WVUA 23 News Reporter A’Leeyah Ponder

Tuscaloosa City Schools returned to class Tuesday, after a three-day weekend and a day of virtual learning. That mini break gave schools plenty of time to deep clean and ensure students returned to disinfected and COVID-free classrooms and halls in the wake of increasing student and faculty absences.

Custodial staff spent Friday and Monday cleaning walls, floors, restrooms, classrooms, and all other surfaces with disinfectant solutions.

“We’re cleaning and keeping everything sanitized, that way the employees and children can be safe,” said Martin L King Jr. Elementary custodian Vernon Strode. 

Schools in the city were closed to in-person learning Jan. 21 and Jan. 24 because the district is experiencing a series of challenges including:

• 2.39% of TCS students reported being positive with COVID-19
• 3.68% of TCS employees reported being positive with COVID-19
• TCS is only able to fill 42% of teacher vacancies
• 30 bus routes were unfilled, with anticipated absences for more drivers

TCS Superintendent Mike Daria said he’s excited for students’ return to their classes, and the daily attendance rate for students is estimated at 84%.

Daria said he urges parents to continue to take COVID-19 precautions to ensure students aren’t exposed, and if they are exposed to ensure they’re not transmitting the virus to others in the community.

“We certainly want our parents to keep doing what they’ve been doing, which is if their child is ill to make sure we know about it, and certainly we don’t want any students coming to school if they’re showing symptoms,” Daria said.

To get the latest information on TCS, click right here.