Hamilton County Schools officials are reassuring parents that there is no need for school closures related to illnesses.
Though attendance rates have dropped in some areas of the county, districtwide absences were down to 7.6 percent – or 3,419 students – Thursday after absences peaked with about 3,695 students out Wednesday.
Flu and cold rates are higher this time of year, intensifying speculation on social media Thursday that schools would be closed Friday.
During the confusion, parents took to social media to share the significant absences at their children’s schools.
Kayton Akehurst’s daughter goes to Daisy Elementary in Soddy-Daisy. The girl was sent home from school Monday after becoming ill. Later, a doctor confirmed she had the flu.