Clovis schools calling off classes for Thursday

CLOVIS -- Potential for hazardous weather and ongoing staff shortages has led to Clovis Municipal Schools canceling classes for Thursday.

Classes are scheduled to resume on Friday, said Jelayne Curtis, the district's executive legal administrative assistant.

"It just gives us a day to reset," Curtis said. Plus, she said, school officials don't want students having to contend with frigid temperatures and the potential for snow.

School officials said last month the district had 47 teaching openings, including 21 at the elementary level. Teacher shortages across the state have been attributed to multiple factors, including compensation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures below freezing most of Thursday, with an overnight low of 15 degrees. There's also a chance of snow or freezing rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The closure includes in-person and online learning modes, according to a school news release. Grab & Go Meals will not be provided due to the closure, the release stated.