Eight staff members and 13 students were required to self-isolate following a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Parkside School (file photo/CHATNEWSTODAY)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Finding replacement staff due to COVID-19 not an issue yet, says Prairie Rose School Division

Nov 2, 2020 | 5:26 PM

DUNMORE, AB- With more cases of COVID-19 being identified in schools, the Prairie Rose School Division says finding replacement staff for teachers that are self-isolating has not posed to be much of a challenge, so far.

Last week the Prairie Rose School Division had a positive case of COVID-19 at Parkside School in Redcliff. Eight staff members and 13 students were required to self-isolate as a result.

Assistant superintendent Reagan Weeks says the district has been able to find enough staff to cover for those required to quarantine. The district has also been looking ahead should staffing become an issue in the future.

“To date we have been able to secure enough substitutes but in anticipation of that becoming a challenge in the future our board has proactively passed a policy that would allow non-certified instructional staff to supervise in classrooms should that need to occur, although we aren’t anticipating that to happen, we do want to be prepared if in fact it does,” Weeks said.

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While finding fill-in teachers has not been much of a challenge, finding replacement bus drivers has proved otherwise.

Weeks says finding replacement bus drivers to cover for those who need to self isolate or those waiting for the results of their COVID-19 test has been their biggest challenge, especially in rural areas.

The issue has resulted in some students not being able to get a ride to school. The district is working to resolve the issue and they are currently on the hunt for more bus drivers.

“Certainly if there is anyone looking for part-time employment who is qualified and interested in that work we would certainly encourage them to contact that school division and we will pass thier information along to Southlands,” she said.