Moniteau School District moved completely to remote instruction for this week.

In a message to parents, Moniteau Superintendent Tom Samosky said the number of positive COVID-19 cases of staff and students had “risen significantly” at both its elementary and junior/senior high school. Moniteau had reported its first COVID-19 confirmed case of the year on Friday.

“By late Sunday, it became apparent, at the consultation of the Department of Health, that we needed to close for several days,” said Samosky in an interview Monday.

All Moniteau students began remote learning Monday. Samosky will review the latest data on community spread on Friday and make a call on whether in-person instruction will return or remote learning will continue for the next week.

The change will likely affect the students who attended in-person classes the most, while the alternative cyber-option will continue their courses as usual. Athletics will continue with COVID-19 measures in place, and Moniteau students attending Butler Area Vocational Technical School will operate under the technical school's direction.

“I know that for many of you the adjustment to temporarily close school buildings may be frustrating and inconvenient,” said Samosky in his message to parents. “Be assured that we remain committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff members as well as providing the support necessary to facilitate this temporary situation.”

This is an excerpt from an article that will appear in Tuesday's Butler Eagle.