Together, Lynchburg City Schools and public schools in the counties of Campbell, Bedford, Amherst and Nelson have reported 727 positive cases of COVID-19 since their school years began.
A Bedford County Public Schools staff member died this week due to complications from COVID-19.
At its Thursday night meeting, the Bedford County School Board held a moment of silence for Charles Ragland who died Jan. 13 according to his obituary. Jason Johnson, who was elected as chairman of the board at Thursdayâs meeting, said Ragland suffered complications from COVID-19. This is the first COVID-19-related death reported by the division.
Ryan Edwards, spokesperson for the division, said Ragland was an employee in the divisionâs transportation department.
Johnson said he hoped for âpeace and comfort to the family and all who knew and loved Mr. Ragland.â
Following their winter breaks over the last two weeks in December, almost all Lynchburg-area school divisions resumed classes Monday as well as normal COVID-19 case reporting. Only Appomattox County Public Schools suspended in-person learning last week following winter break. According to a message division superintendent Annette Bennett issued out Dec. 31, the division had a higher than normal number of students and staff in quarantine and isolation. Bennettâs message added the division will be changing its in-person schedule at all schools through Jan. 22.
This past week, Lynchburg City Schools and schools in the Campbell, Bedford, Amherst and Nelson county school divisions reported 135 new positive cases of COVID-19. Together, these area school divisions have reported 539 total COVID-19 cases since their school years began.