Beech Tree News Network

The flu and other assorted illnesses have taken their toll on attendance this week in the classroom.  Therefore, Butler County Schools' Superintendent Scott Howard has made the decision to cancel classes for the remainder of the week due to consistently low attendance.

"After much consideration, I made the decision to dismiss school the rest of the week," said Howard.  "Our attendance was 90 percent yesterday and down to 86 percent this morning.  This afternoon it had fallen to 85 percent.  The next five days will hopefully be long enough for students to get better.  We will use the next few days to clean and disinfect all of the buildings and buses," added Howard. 

The funding formula for public schools is determined in part by the average daily attendance of each school district. 

Mr. Howard said he initially wanted to make it through at least Wednesday but reconsidered. 

"My original plan was to try to make it through Wednesday and then cancel if we needed to do so but after looking at the numbers today and thinking about so many kids being sick, I just don’t want to have the kids coming in another day this week," stated Howard. 

Howard said parents are free to contact him with any questions or concerns. 

With classes being dismissed the remainder of the week, several extra-curricular activities have been cancelled as well. 

 - All ballgames are cancelled with the exception of the Grayson County District Boy/Girl doubleheader Friday night.

 - No practice for out-of-season sports.

Some other events will be held as scheduled. 

 - Butler County will participate in the Regional Archery Competition over the weekend.

 - The district-wide spelling bee will be held tonight.

 Also, February 20th will now be used as a make-up day.

Todd County and Ohio County have also cancelled classes for the remainder of the week.  Muhlenberg County was closed Monday and Tuesday of this week and Hancock County was closed on Thursday and Friday of last week.