Larry Begley, superintendent of Russellville Independent Schools, announced the district will be closed Monday, Aug. 30, thru Friday, Sept. 3, according to WRUS News. These days will be made up later on in the school year.

Begley said, "There will be no school work required during this time off. We wish to preserve our NTI days for weather events we may face in the future. With the full week off plus weekends and the Labor Day holiday, this will give the teachers and staff we have out as well as our students 10 full days to reset, heal, and prepare to return to school on Sept. 7.

“We will develop a plan to add make-up days in the near future to not extend the school year by too many days. During this time, all sports and extra-curricular activities will continue as this is an issue with adults and not our students. We are finding it increasingly difficult to staff our buildings to provide the services our kids need.

“Meals will be delivered to our students via regular bus routes beginning at 10 a.m. daily. Car riders can either arrange to have their meals delivered or pick up meals at Stevenson and the High School at 10 a.m. as well.

“I know that this may be an inconvenience to some, but at this time, we feel it is in the best interest to close for a time and allow us to reset on this still new school year. We appreciate your understanding and support as we take on these difficult times, making the decisions that are in the best interest of safety and health for our students and adults."