Union Public Schools superintendent explains decision to return to distance learning

Staffing was a major factor

VIDEO: Union Public Schools to start the school year with in-person learning VIDEO: Union Public Schools to start the school year with in-person learning

By Skyler Cooper

Union Public Schools students will switch back to distance learning starting tomorrow, December 4th.

Union Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler joined KRMG to explain why it was time to switch.

Listen to the full interview here

“Tuesday our staff numbers of positivity and quarantine was at 93 and within 24 hours that number jumped from 93 to 149.” Hartzler said.

Hartzler told KRMG one of the biggest factors was staffing.

The Tulsa Health Department’s recommendation to go back to distance learning was another reason Hartzler made the move, he said.

Distance learning will continue for the rest of the semester.

Students will be out on winter break from December 18th to January 4th. Hartzler said the current plan is to have students return to in-person learning after the break.