The current flu outbreak has closed many East Tennessee Schools recently including Knox County and local area schools such as Fentress, Roane, Loudon and others.  Cumberland County schools have remained open during the epidemic and that’s got many parents riled.  Parents of students are voicing their concern that Cumberland County schools haven’t closed to give the kids who are sick and chance to get well at home…and other kids who are not sick a better chance of not contracting the flu virus by staying home.  But it’s not just teachers.  Many schools are reporting high absences of teachers.  And it’s getting harder to find substitute teachers to fill the void.  Now, there is an online petition being circulated asking Director of Schools, Janet Graham along with the Board of Education, to close Cumberland County Schools.  At this writing, there are 1,196 signatures on the petition which says it will be delivered to DOS Graham and the BOE.  If you’re interested in seeing the online petition CLICK HERE.