All three Valdez City Schools (VCS) closed last week, March 22-26, in response to the 22 active cases of COVID-19 currently in the community.  

Students at Hermon Hutchens Elementary School who were not still in quarantine returned to in-person learning Monday, March 29, and Gilson Middle School was expected to return to in-person learning Wednesday, March 31.  

At the time of press, Valdez High School students were scheduled to continue distance learning until Monday, April 5.  

Superintendent Shawn Arnold said while staff is hoping to return to normal soon, they will continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments.  

He said it was the first major outbreak to occur in the schools and although the case count was for the entire city of Valdez, most of the cases were tied to VCS students.  

“It’s contained, and we’re hoping that it levels off this week so we can get kids back in school learning,” Arnold said.

Current information regarding the schools’ statuses can be found at www.valdezcityschools.org.  

By Amanda Swinehart

Update: As of April 2, Valdez City Schools extended the school closures. The current plan is for the elementary and middle school to return to in-person learning on a phased basis the week of April 5. The high school is planned to re-open Monday April 12.