Gas shortage causing Triangle school systems return to online learning
Four school systems in central North Carolina will move to remote learning on Friday due to the gas shortage across the state.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Durham Public Schools, Franklin County Schools, the Wake County Public School System and Vance County will offer only virtual learning Friday.
School leaders in Franklin and Durham counties said while the school systems have enough gas in buses, teachers and parents are having trouble getting to school and work.
Many of the teachers drive 45 minutes to get to work in both counties, according to Franklin County teacher Rachel Taulbee which isn't possible right now.
"It's definitely going to become problematic very quickly," said Taulbee.
In Durham, all athletic and after school activities have been canceled, in addition to moving to virtual learning.
"Hopefully, it's only for a day," said DPS spokesman Chip Sudderth. "So many families are having trouble getting gas for their own cars that it is an increasing problem for students and families."
Sudderth said school leaders are hoping the situation will improve over the weekend.
"Staff needs gas to get to work [and] our students need gas to get to school ... it's really important," he said.
Taulbee says students and teachers were trained to adapt to situations like this last year during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
"A lot of things we learned from the pandemic because we had to shift gears and make things work. Being able to teach our children remotely regardless of what may be happening is definitely an added bonus because they are not losing instructional time because of weather or [any] crisis that may be happening. They can still stay grounded and connected to the school," said Taulbee.
To find the latest school closings, click here.
