Central Texas School District Closes for the Week After Two Teachers Die of COVID-19

WACO (WBAP/KLIF News) – Connally ISD has closed its schools for the week after two teachers died of COVID-19 within days of one another last week.

41-year-old Natalia Chansler, a sixth grade social studies teacher, died on Saturday August 28th. She was last on campus August 25th.

59-year-oldDavid McCormick, a seventh grade social studies teacher, died on Tuesday August 24th. He was last on campus August 18th.

The district is closing campuses until September 7th while the buildings undergo a deep cleaning.

Assistant Superintendent Jill Bottleberghe said the district will over COVID-19 testing for students and staff who had contact with Chansler and McCormick.

The district is holding a vaccination clinic in the Connally High School gym on September 13th 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Officials issued a statement to the Connally ISD community that read in part:

“We know the hardship this may present to families, but we want to do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our students and team,” it said.

Connally is one of several Texas school districts that have had to close campuses due to COVID-19.

Princeton ISD in Collin County closed Smith Elementary school for the week due to a recent outbreak.