Pella Christian Grade School was closed Friday due to high illness. Head of Schools Dan Zylstra shared with KNIA/KRLS News that approximately 20% of students were out sick Thursday, as well as many faculty. To ensure safety of supervision and reduce spread, he ultimately canceled school at the grade school Friday. He reports that Pella Christian High School’s absences were much lower and did not necessitate canceling. Zylstra anticipates re-opening school for all students on Monday.

The closure was reported to Marion County Public Health for state mandatory reporting — which is usually triggered by absences totaling 10% or more in any one building of a school district. Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling says none of their buildings are reporting “anywhere close” to those numbers seen at PCGS.