Bethlehem Elementary School (BES) on Friday due to a staff shortage and substitutes

BETHLEHEM — Bethlehem Elementary School (BES) on Friday due to a staff shortage and substitutes. The decision was made because over half of the school’s 142 students in grades PreK-6 were out sick, along with many staff, BES said in a statement. The school will increase its cleaning and air filtration operations over the weekend, hoping to prevent further illnesses. Bethlehem Elementary hoped the school closure would provide additional time for staff and students to get better. “We hope to see more healthy kiddos back on Monday and sending everyone who is sick well wishes,” the statement said. BES is the second school in SAU 35 to close because of illness this year. Lisbon Regional School canceled classes and activities on Jan. 31 due to a shortage of staff and substitutes.