RENO, Nev. (AP) — The Washoe County School Board is extending distance learning for middle and high schools in the Reno area until at least Jan. 19 due partly because of a shortage of teachers.

The board agreed Tuesday to extend the distance learning for another two weeks after the winter break. Elementary schools will continue to offer in-class instruction for kindergartners through fifth-graders.

The district is aggressively recruiting substitutes, including those who may only have a high school diploma or GED.

The relaxed requirements have drawn criticism from the local teachers union. Nevada reported 25 deaths and 3,053 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday.