COVID-19 Impacting School Districts

WAAY-31's Sophia Borelli discusses how COVID has affected not only businesses, but schools as well.

Coronavirus isn't just taxing on our hospitals - but our schools as well.

This week - the superintendent of guntersville city schools announced his plans to retire after 38 years in public education.

He told us the decision was made in part because of the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Waay 31's sophia borelli shares what's next for the district.

This is one of the last days superintendent brett stanton will be sitting in this office - working to improve guntersville city schools.

Brett stanton, guntersville city schools superintendent: "i think after 38 years of experience in public education, and a significant number of those serving as a superintendent, i realize with the challenges that were being brought about by covid-19, education as i have known it for those 38 years would never be the same and i just felt with that, it was time for me to pass the baton onto someone else."

He says this year with the coronavirus has been especially difficult for not just his system but for all educators.

Brett stanton, guntersville city schools superintendent: "i think the biggest challenge is keeping those traditional students in a position where can be educated traditionally and keeping our faculty and staff healthy as well as our students healthy."

Monday will be stanton's last day as superintendent.

Brett stanton, guntersville city schools superintendent: "it's also a reality check realizing that after 38 years, your career is coming to an end."

Collegues say the superintendent will be missed - knowing he has done so many good things for the district.

Vohn enloe, guntersville middle school principal: "under his leadership, all of our schools obtained blue ribbon schools of excellence lighthouse status.

Our system earned an a on the state report card and he tremendously improved the financial status of our school system."

And as stanton finishes out these 38 years of education - 6 being the superintendent here at guntersville city schools - he wants his faculty, staff and teachers to know just how much they mean to him.

Brett stanton, guntersville city schools superintendent: "i appreciate they're support.

I appreciate their efforts every single day to support our students and i wish them the very best."

In guntersville sophia borrelli waay 31 news.

Stanton says he looks forward to relaxing and spend time with his wife and family.

His last