By Joe Johnson
Dr. Xernona Thomas, interim superintendent of the Clarke County School District was recently hospitalized after testing positive for COVOD-19, a school district spokesperson confirmed Tuesday evening.
"As a reminder, the district will not answer requests to provide details regarding the personal information of our staff, district Communications Manager Beth Moore told Classic City News. "However, Dr. Xernona Thomas, interim superintendent, decided to publicly share that she tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized for her symptoms. Dr. Thomas is currently resting comfortably at home."
Thomas became infected while a debate rages among parents, teachers and others in the district about whether it is safe to reopen schools on the planned date of Aug.3.
A revised school calendar is scheduled to be voted on by school board members Thursday night.
Through the district communication manager, Thomas made the following statement:
“I am humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from this community,” Thomas said. “We have an enormous responsibility to identify the safest manner to return staff and students to our buildings. My own experience has helped the team recognize the challenges that accompany the pandemic.”
In her statement Thomas reminded community members to wear masks, practice social distancing, and thoroughly wash their hands.