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Carter County Schools announced their decision to switch to remote learning for the week of Nov. 9-13 on Friday. 
In the announcement, it is noted that the decision resulted from an uptick in COVID-19 cases. According to Tracy McAbee, director of schools, the number of adult cases (teachers, bus drivers, etc.) led to remote learning. 
McAbee went on to state that remote learning could continue. 
“If numbers are the same at the end of this week, it is possible that we will continue remote,” he said. 
While there is a possibility of continuing remote learning beyond this week, McAbee explained that there is still more community spread than school spread at this time. Nonetheless, the concern is always there. 
It has previously been reported that Carter County Schools are in need of substitute teachers. This remains an issue. 
“If we don’t have substitutes for quarantined teachers, then that plays a role in moving to remote learning,” explained McAbee. “I would love for more people to sub for our schools.”
In the announcement, parents and students are urged to make sure all assignments are completed and that students attend their ZOOM classes during this time. 
“It is an understatement to say this year has been problematic. It has been a challenge for schools, children and families,” McAbee wrote in the announcement. “I appreciate how you make sure your child is completing assignments, logging into ZOOM class meetings, and interacting in this new way of education.”
McAbee was also confident in the skills of educators, noting that they are professionals, prepared for this switch from traditional to virtual. 
During this remote learning period, meals will be delivered by the school system on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with two days worth of meals. Meal pickup will also be available on these days from 11 a.m. to noon at the following locations: 
Cloudland Elementary, Hampton Elementary, Little Milligan, Happy Valley Elementary and Hunter Elementary.
For the latest updates to Carter County Schools, go to www.carterk12.net, check out their Facebook page or call 423-547-4000. There will be no school board meeting this month.