A teacher shortage is making it difficult for some districts to keep classrooms full as school divisions across the country battle to keep pupils in school. Pulaski County, like other school districts in Southwest Virginia, is battling to keep pupils in school due to a staffing deficit.

After scores of teachers called out due to COVID-19 exposures, the school division held multiple virtual learning days. Pulaski County Superintendent Dr. Kevin Siers said, “There was a period last week, when we were averaging over 40 staff and they were out because they were quarantining for a positive diagnosis or an exposure.”