Dexter Schools USD #471 in Dexter, Kansas, dismissed students early on Dec. 15 after a rapid spike in illnesses among students and staff. Superintendent K.B. Criss reported that 25%–35% of about 300 students were absent within an hour and described a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fevers and severe headaches. The district postponed events, offered free on-site testing for Flu A/B, RSV, Strep A and COVID-19, and rescheduled elementary holiday celebrations for Jan. 5. Students and staff are expected to return for the second semester on Jan. 5, 2026.
Kansas District Ends Classes Early as Widespread Illness Forces Winter Break Ahead of Schedule
Google MapsDexter Schools USD #471
Dexter Schools USD #471 in Dexter, Kansas, moved to end classes early on Monday, Dec. 15, after school leaders reported a rapid and widespread surge of illnesses among students and staff.
Officials said the decision — which pushed the district's winter break forward from Dec. 22 — was made to limit further transmission and protect families over the holiday period. The district serves roughly 300 students.
Absences Spiked Within Hours
Superintendent and principal K.B. Criss told ABC News that attendance problems emerged almost immediately when school opened that morning. He estimated that roughly 25%–35% of students were absent within the first hour and said the school received between 40 and 50 illness-related calls by 9 a.m.
"We are going through a tremendous amount of sickness right now and it seems to be spreading at a very high rate," district officials wrote on Facebook when announcing the early dismissal.
Reported Symptoms and Response
Criss described a wide range of symptoms affecting the community, including vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, fevers, bronchitis, strep throat and severe headaches, along with coughs and nasal congestion. To help families identify what illnesses are circulating, the district announced free on-site testing for Flu A/B, RSV, Strep A and COVID-19.
Events Postponed; Elementary Celebrations Rescheduled
The district said scheduled events — from extracurricular competitions to classroom holiday parties — would be postponed until the next semester or canceled. In a follow-up Facebook post, school leaders clarified that preschool through sixth-grade Christmas activities would not be canceled but would be held on Jan. 5, with the usual parties and a pajama day.
District officials asked families to take precautions and avoid sending sick students to school. They said they expect students and staff to return for the second semester on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
Community Outreach
The district posted updates on its Facebook page and homepage and provided information about testing availability. Media outlets, including PEOPLE and ABC News, reported on the closure; PEOPLE noted the district's social posts and outreach efforts. The district nurse did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
Families were thanked for their understanding and encouraged to prioritize health over the holidays as officials hoped the early break would reduce transmission into households, especially to older relatives.
