UPDATE 2/28/18 @10:40 p.m.

As of 10:40 p.m. schools in all of West Virginia's 55 counties were closed for the day Thursday despite calls from the governor, union leaders and the state superintendent to return to class.

Many schools cited safety concerns for the reasons they would not open on Thursday.

Some school leaders were concerned that there would not be enough teachers or staff to ensure a smooth and safe school day.

ORIGINAL STORY

Putnam County schools said Wednesday that they would operate on a normal schedule Thursday, in spite of uncertainty over whether striking West Virginia teachers would return to work.

Schools in Cabell, Logan, Lincoln, Wayne, Mason, Kanawha, Fayette and Mingo counties, on the other hand, announced they would remain closed Thursday.

Boone County Schools also announced they would remain closed.

School districts throughout the state grappled with the decision as striking teachers voiced vehement disapproval Wednesday over a deal struck Tuesday between their union leaders and Gov. Jim Justice.

Teachers who rallied at the Statehouse on Wednesday said their biggest sticking point involving health insurance (PEIA) hadn't been worked out to their satisfaction.

The statewide teacher strike is in its fifth day.

Keep checking WSAZ.com and WSAZ Mobile for decisions from other districts on whether their schools will reopen as planned.