Dixon Public Schools calls off class on Friday

DIXON — Dixon Public Schools called off classes on Friday, saying it does not have sufficient staff to maintain operations.

The district made the announcement on its website.

“We are hoping that the long weekend will allow our staff levels to return to normal next week,” said the notice, which carried the posting signature of Superintendent Margo Empen.

The district will not go to remote learning. Instead, the district is calling it an emergency day and will make up the day at the end of the school year.

“We will see everyone back on Tuesday, January 18th,” the notice concluded.

The district started the week making adjustments to its bus schedule because of the limited availability of drivers. At midweek, the Washington School Pre-K class was put on adaptive pause until Jan. 18. The Little Little Girl Cheerleading clinic and performance was also canceled.

According to COVID-19 data for the week ending Jan. 9, there were — using daily averages — 7 staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 at the district’s five buildings.