Godley ISD will shut down for the week due to widespread flu absences among students and staff.
(WFAA News 8)
Author: Ben Sawyers
Updated: 10:36 PM CST January 28, 2025
Godley ISD will shut down for the week due to widespread flu absences among students and staff.
GODLEY, Texas — Flu cases are on the rise at local schools and hospitals, and the illness is forcing one school district to shut down for the remainder of the week.
Godley ISD announced on Tuesday that it will shut down for the rest of the week and reopen on Feb. 3 due to sweeping absences among students and staff.
Godley ISD, which serves approximately 3,000 students according to the district’s website, reported nearly 650 student absences on Tuesday. The district said even more students went home sick as the school day went on.
GISD said the decision to close was also prompted by staff shortages due to the flu outbreak. Over 60 staff members, including teachers, were absent Tuesday, the district reported. The district said due to the low staff attendance, they would not be able to “safely and effectively” cover classes and other duties.
Coaches and sponsors will determine independently if varsity athletic games and extracurricular activities continue, the district said.
Godley is not the only area in North Texas experiencing a spike in flu cases. Cook Children’s Hospital reported more than 900 positive flu cases in its Fort Worth and Prosper medical centers. On Monday, Cook Children’s said its emergency department saw 696 patients. The hospital said the average number of patients it sees in the ER is 379.
While the district is closed, GISD encouraged families to use the time off to recover from the illness. Meanwhile, district staff will deep clean and sanitize schools, classrooms and buses.
