Fairfield ISD joined several other area school districts in closing Friday, Jan. 31, because of a high number of student and staff absences due to illness.
Fairfield ISD Superintendent Joe Craig made the announcement about 7 p.m. the day before.
FISD nurses confirmed the illnesses among the district were Flu A, Flu B, Strep, and a stomach bug. Health officials have confirmed the flu is spreading rapidly in the area.
During the closure, the district’s custodial team was able to clean with a special antiseptic cleaner.
Craig noted that on a typical school day, about 3% to 5% of students are absent due to various reasons.
The lasts full week of January, FISD’s numbers ballooned to 15% or higher on multiple campuses. Craig also noted that one campus had 14 staff members out sick one day.
The high school basketball games scheduled for Friday night, Jan. 31, were moved to Monday night, Feb. 3.
“We are going to close tomorrow and hope three days away will help,” Craig said in a statement on Thursday evening.
Teague ISD made the decision earlier in the day on Thursday to close on Friday, Jan. 31, as well, due to a significant outbreak of illness among staff and students.
