It is not exactly the "how many" positive cases and quarantined people that is forcing school districts like Southern Door to send entire grades into virtual instruction, but rather "the who." As of last Friday, Southern Door School District had seven students and one staff member currently test positive for COVID-19, sending 146 people to quarantine. The lack of available staff members  is why the third grade went to virtual instruction on Friday and, after some positive tests crept into the picture, why fifth grade followed suit soon after. Superintendent Patti Vickman says the countywide substitute teacher shortage is one of the reasons why the two grades have had to stay at home.

One kindergarten and one first grade class have already gone to virtual learning this school year, but are set to return to in-person instruction this week. Vickman says the district recently raised its wages for substitute teachers to be more competitive in the marketplace for their services.