(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 School Board, during a special meeting Thursday evening, voted unanimously to move to remote learning at all three district schools, beginning Monday through December 3rd.

The board took the action after hearing from the district's health committee and building principals about the increase in COVID-19 cases in the district and community along with staffing issues at the schools.

Brown County Health Officer Robin Downard said there are currently 144 active cases in the county, with seven hospitalized. She said the county saw 46 new positive cases just Thursday. The county has had a total of 425 cases since the pandemic began, with six COVID-related deaths.

As of Thursday, there were six positive cases at the elementary school among students and staff, five at the middle school and five at the high school.

Hiawatha Hospital healthcare provider Danielle Jagels, who is a member of the district's health committee, said she and other members of the committee felt the district should move to remote learning.

“ I've had input from students at every school and the overwhelming desire at this time is to just go remote. The teaching staff is not ok, they are exhausted. The learning methods in place right now are just not allowing them to educate our students to the best of their ability because they are stretched so thin.”

Board President Tom Simmer said he agreed it was time to move to remote learning.

" You know we have a problem and need to act on it.  The new cases just this week has escalated.  I think its only going to get worse. I've had a lot of teachers contact me, i can't speak for the rest of the board, but i can tell you personally they are burned out."  

Students will attend class as normal on Friday to meet with teachers and pack up necessary books and equipment.

At this time, students are scheduled to return to in-person learning December 3.