Just after getting his contract extended through June 30, 2026, Mineola ISD Superintendent Cody Mize said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is making its way through the community.

Mize told the school board Monday that 13 staff members were out with the virus and a large number of students were dealing with the virus and other illnesses such as strep throat and upper respiratory problems.

He said attendance Monday was at 87.85%, and district officials usually become concerned when that rate drops below 90%.

Business Manager William Bjork, in his monthly enrollment report, said the district is at 1,635 students and attendance is 95%, but that did not include Monday’s count, which had 200 students absent.

Mize said other districts are reporting similar numbers.

Mineola will be keeping the doors open as long as it can, and he reiterated that the district has the ability to administer rapid tests.

Quitman ISD posted three students and one staff with active virus cases on Monday. Alba-Golden ISD reported two staff and one student.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District reported a sharp rise in cases and hospitalizations across the region along with high transmission rates.

In Wood County, 155 new cases were reported Monday with 417 total active cases.

By comparison, 122 new cases were reported for the entire month of November. December rose to 204 and 166 more were reported from Jan. 1-6.