Madison County Schools have announced they are canceling in-person classes on Friday, February 13, not because of superstition, but because of super sick kids. 

Due to widespread outbreaks of illness among students and faculty, schools will instead hold an e-learning day, allowing those who are sick to recover and those not infected to limit their exposure while facilities are sanitized.

A countywide school closing in Alabama is quite rare; the last occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.

In an official statement, Madison County Schools clarified, “This decision prioritizes the well-being of our students and staff and allows time for recovery and additional facility sanitation to help slow the spread of illness.”

The decision was not made lightly, as many schools in the region have been hit by continuous waves of sickness. The Madison County school system includes 31 schools serving more than 20,000 students across North Alabama.

One of those schools, Owens Cross Roads Elementary, closed for two days after 30% of its students were absent.

Some students who attend school may still be sick but feel incentivized to do so because of the Madison County attendance policy, which grants final exam exemptions to students who earn an A and have no more than three absences. Students with a B may also qualify, but can only miss two days, and so on.

While the policy is generally viewed as a positive encouragement for attendance, some fear it may unintentionally worsen the spread of illness. Students and parents can be assured that participation in the e-learning day will count as attendance and will not negatively impact records.

Madison County Schools has not released exact figures on student and teacher absences but said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as needed.

Jacob Burnett is the social media manager for 256 Today. You may email him at [email protected].