RUSSELL — Wednesday afternoon, Russell USD 407 announced that all buildings will shut down due Thursday and Friday.
The closure comes as the district faced the inability to adequately staff shortages from illness.
"Due to the significant illness throughout our community, buildings are not functioning with the ability to manage, staff, and educate our children," the announcement said.
The district said the closure will allow "staff the space and time needed to rest and recover from the illnesses that are present in our community."
While the buildings will be closed, students are still expected to have the opportunity to participate in weekend sporting events.
"Because RHS has a level of overall health, USD 407 will allow for teams to compete so long as health is maintained," the announcement said. "Staff will implement team symptom and temperature checks that occur prior to travel or practice to ensure this validity of health."
The middle school might also require symptom checks.