School districts across Central Va. announce plans for Monday

CENTRAL VA. (WFXR) — After heavy smoke and air quality concerns from the Matts Creek wildfire forced more than three school districts to close, some schools have announced that students will be returning to the classroom.

Amherst County

According to the Amherst County Public Schools, officials are continuing to monitor the weather and air quality, in the area. The district says they are hoping to operate school tomorrow, but a final decision will be made by 6 a.m. on Monday.

Bedford County

The Bedford County Public Schools says all schools located in the Staunton River Zone will operate on time on Monday, Nov. 20, However, all other Bedford County schools in the Liberty and Jefferson Forest Zones will be on a two-hour delay.

This Susie G. Gibson School will operate on time only for students from the Staunton River Zone

School officials say depending on the school’s location, in the county, some schools may not be able to operate due to air quality concerns. School officials say administrators will assess air quality conditions in these schools by 7 a.m. on Monday.

Buena Vista City Public Schools 

School officials said due to updated information from the U.S. Forestry Department, all Buena Vista City Public Schools will be closed on Monday, Nov. 20.

Lexington City Schools

The Lexington City Schools has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Officials say staff and students will return to classes on Monday, Nov. 27.

Rockbridge County Public Schools

After consulting with local officials and regional officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Rockbridge County Public School officials say schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. The district says classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 27.

“We hope you all remain safe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We greatly look forward to seeing our students and staff again on Monday, November 27,” said the school district in a social media post.

This is a developing story. WFXR News will update this story as additional school districts announce their plans.