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Richmond School District Closes Friday Due to Illness
High number of sick students and staff prompt closure for cleaning and recovery.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Richmond School District in Virginia has announced that schools will be closed on Friday due to a growing number of students and staff members who are sick. The district says the day off will allow time for cleaning and disinfecting school buildings, as well as give people time to recover from the illness causing the spike in absences. The closure will be treated as an Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) day.
Why it matters
School closures due to illness outbreaks can significantly disrupt learning and create challenges for families. This closure highlights the need for school districts to have plans in place to respond quickly to health concerns and ensure the safety of students and staff.
The details
District officials have not specified what illness is causing the high number of absences, but they are encouraging families to monitor communications for updates on when classes will resume. The one-day closure will allow custodial crews to thoroughly clean and disinfect all school buildings in the district.
- The Richmond School District announced the closure on February 20, 2026.
- Schools will be closed on Friday, February 21, 2026.
The players
Richmond School District
The public school district serving the city of Richmond, Virginia.
What’s next
District officials have not provided a specific timeline for when classes will resume, but they have asked families to monitor communications for updates.
The takeaway
This closure highlights the importance of school districts having robust plans in place to quickly respond to health concerns and ensure the safety of students and staff, while also minimizing disruptions to learning.
