Two Christiana Middle School employees test positive for COVID-19, school delays in-person classes

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — Rutherford County Schools says Christiana Middle School students will start the school year remotely Thursday after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Communication Director James Evans said Monday that while two employees have tested positive, two others are also having symptoms.

Evans said 10 employees will self-quarantine after coming into contact with those who tested positive. He said those on quarantine include some members of the school’s administration and leadership team.

Students will continue distance learning through Friday, Aug. 21. Evans said in-person students will be able to begin their classes at school starting Monday, Aug. 24.

Evans said the school’s principal will release more information to parents today.

“Again, we know this will be a hardship for some parents but we want to ensure we are maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and employees. This temporary distance-learning scenario is part of our containment and mitigation plan for COVID-19,” Evans said in part.

The district had to delay the first day of school due to a high volume of distance learning applications. Evans said last week that 40% of the student population, more than 19,000 students, have chosen distance learning.