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A third grade teacher at Norwood Elementary has died after recently contracting COVID-19, according to the school system.

Interim Superintendent Vicki Calvert said that during her two years with the school, the teacher, Julie Davis, “earned a well-deserved reputation as an inspirational teacher who was always seeking ways to support every student so that they were able to fulfill their potential. She implemented creative ways of teaching and her high standards and expectations motivated others to achieve their best.”

Calvert added: “Students absolutely loved being taught by Mrs. Davis. Her personality was infectious and she brought joy into the lives of the students, staff and community.We are extending our deepest condolences to Mrs. Davis’ family. We were truly blessed by her professionalism and caring spirit.”

Davis was 49 years old, according to Calvert.

On Tuesday, Stanly County Schools announced on its Facebook page that third grade students would be switching to remote learning. The post on the SCS page stated the decision came because of close contact between the students who were present the previous Wednesday and Thursday with a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19, according to an earlier SNAP story.

Elementary students in the county, as part of the Plan B guidelines for reopening schools, have been going to school for in-person instruction since the school year began in August.

Earlier in the week, Stanly passed 2,000 cumulative coronavirus cases and more than 60 people in the county have died. Stanly’s positivity rate is 9.3 percent, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, higher than most of its neighboring counties and also higher than the state’s overall rate of 6.6 percent.