From Jan. 10 to Jan. 18, Lake Washington High School planned to conduct remote learning due to substitution shortages, although remote learning has since been extended until Jan. 24.

During the first week back from winter break, LWHS and central office staff members filled in administrative, classroom, and supervisory positions. However, the school experienced more absences than could be covered.

“This decision is being made by our district to our inability to safely operate school as a result of so many staff being absent and the number of unfilled sub positions,” Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent of Lake Washington School District, said in a statement.

According to district communications director Shannon Parthemer, substitute teacher shortages have been an issue for the entire school year.

“There have been more shortages after winter break, likely due to the new variant of COVID [Omicron],” said Parthemer. “LWSD is working to hire additional substitute teachers and staff in a variety of ways, including emergency certifications.”

Additionally, Parthemer mentioned how the central office staffers have been asked to work with schools to help support students. For the remote learning period, classes will not be combined and will remain at their current size.

LWHS officials are deciding whether extracurricular activities can be done safely in person or remotely, and all field trips for the remote learning period have been postponed. At LWSD schools, free meals are provided for students under a U.S. Department of Agriculture-issued waiver.

“Students who need meals will be able to complete a form requesting meals for the week,” Parthemer said. “The school will schedule a couple of times when students can come pick up the meals.”

LWSD encourages those interested in substitution to visit https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/human-resources