West Mifflin Area High School to be closed through Nov. 11 because of covid-19 cases among staffers

West Mifflin Area School District officials have closed the high school for the next two weeks due to a rise in covid-19 cases.

A letter informing parents about the closure, which starts Wednesday and is expected to be through Nov. 11, was posted on the district’s website.

The message was crafted by Superintendent Jeffrey Soles and assistant superintendent Jeffrey Solomon.

“The district has been diligent in our efforts to alleviate the spread of covid-19 by closing our school buildings, sanitizing as much as possible, and practicing social distancing with everyone that comes into the schools,” the letter read in part. “Regrettably, due to the highly contagious nature of covid-19, this virus has confirmed that it can continue to spread notwithstanding everyone taking appropriate precautions.

“The high school is experiencing an increase in positive cases among staff members … At this time the district’s primary concern is for the safety of our students and employees. As stated previously it is believed minimal students were in contact with the staff members and parents have been or will be notified through the contact tracing process.”

Three high school staffers have tested positive so far this year, and multiple staff members are either under quarantine, on leave and/or calling in sick, according to the letter.

All other schools will continue in the hybrid model until further notice, which is a mix between online and in-person learning.

District officials encouraged parents to monitor their children to make sure they are symptom free.

“The district is working at all levels to assure parents, students, and staff members are in a safe and clean environment,” the letter read. “The district thanks everyone for their understanding and assistance in transitioning back to the remote model for the high school students.”