New Franklin public schools have shut down in-person classes due to a large population of students and teachers on quarantine for the coronavirus. A letter to parents from Superintendent Brian Cordel on Friday said the district would switch to virtual learning Nov. 2 through Nov. 13. The decision came following a special meeting the district’s Board of Education on Thursday.

Reportedly more than 80 students and nearly a dozen staff members have been in quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19, and the district is struggling to find enough substitute teachers.

“Within the last few days it has been very difficult to find substitutes to cover the number of absent staff because of illness, quarantined or watching family that has been quarantined,” wrote Mr. Cordel. “Today October 30th will be our last Face to Face Instructional Day until students return on Monday, November 16th.  To be clear, the decision to go virtual is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our staff and students.

Students were told to take everything home with them that they would need for online learning. The school plans to make breakfasts and lunches available to students during those two weeks, but plans have yet to be detailed.

Athletes not on quarantine will still be allowed to practice with their teams during the lockdown.