By Ray King

The Watson Chapel School District began the Christmas break Monday and Superintendent Dr. Jerry Guess said Friday that like most other districts in South Arkansas, his has seen students coming and going.

Appearing on the Oldies 101.3 morning show, Guess said the turnover is linked to a lack of jobs and economic opportunity.

“We have a transient population of people,” Guess said. Thy move all the time. I hear the same complaint from other superintendents. There’s a lot of movement in and out.”

Even though the district is out for the holidays, Guess said it is working to continue to provide for needy students and families.

Guess also talked about students and the parents of students who chose to sign up for virtual learning for fear of catching COVID-19.