The Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) called families on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 2 to inform them of school closure on Monday, Jan. 3. Superintendent Linus Guillory followed up with an email. This closure occurs amidst a recent outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Both messages said all PSB schools did not have adequate staffing capacity to operate.

“At this time, we simply do not have the staffing capacity to operate all schools safely. While we understand that closing schools on Monday will be challenging for families, we believe this is in the best interest for our staff, students, and families and will allow us to return as safely and as strongly as possible. We will continue to monitor our capacity to reopen schools over the next 24 hours,” Guillory wrote.

Guillory also wrote that an official statement on additional school closures will be published by the end of the day on Jan. 3.

Guillory concluded his email by urging the community to persevere as the district determines an appropriate course of action.

“In closing, I urge everyone to practice the same patience, understanding, and gratitude we have exhibited throughout this pandemic,” Guillory wrote. “In doing so, I am confident we will overcome any obstacles that are presented in the coming days and weeks ahead. I look forward to welcoming our community back when we believe it is safe to do so.”