Kids are less than two weeks back from Christmas break and the COVID situation is beginning to become an issue that could require action soon.

That's the message from Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles who, in a letter to families Tuesday, says they are watching the numbers of not only cases but close contacts who have to quarantine and indicates they are becoming concerned about staffing in their buildings.

While the overall post-Christmas and post-New Year's spike hasn't happened yet statewide, Nettles is imploring the community to continue to be diligent in the precautions to take to allow them to stay in school.

While many in the community want an exact figure of cases or students quarantined to be established before the district goes to remote learning, Nettles has been hesitant to make those types of declarations. He also notes this situation is different because when staff is involved, it becomes a matter of if the district can continue to operate with certain staff members in quarantine.

Nettles plans to continue to be in communication with the community as it relates to any decisions about school buildings closing down or things like that. He also notes on Friday, a new update will be released regarding COVID in the schools.

Nettles continues to be thankful for the encouragement and support he receives from the community and the positivity they are showing as the district navigates the pandemic into the second semester.