Friday 29th March 2024

MATTHEWS: Students’ return this fall still uncertain

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GLASGOW, Ky. – As Kentucky continues to relax coronavirus restrictions, one thing remains skeptical – students’ return to school this fall.

Kentucky education officials plan to allow students to return, but the “norm” will be shifted.

Major universities like the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University have recently announced plans, but most K-12 districts are at a standstill.

Bo Matthews, Superintendent of Barren County Schools, said no solid directive has been handed down from state officials but forms of advisement. Officials said in their advice that districts should plan for three scenarios this fall.

“Those levels are regarding a short term, an intermittent term, and a long term-type closing situation,” Matthews said. “Responses are that we would have plans for each.”

Matthews said two committees are working to prepare for the return of students. Those groups are the “calendar committee” and “transition and reopening task force.”

The Barren County School Board has approved the 2020-21 calendar, and students are set to return Aug. 12, according to the approved calendar. However, Matthews said that date could change.

“There is some conversation about possibly bumping that back to as late as the last week in August,” Matthews said.

While some students may return to school, Matthews said the school system identifies that some parents may be uncomfortable with their students returning to a populated setting. State education officials are urging districts to devise plans for those scenarios.

“We’re still going to run our buses. We’re still going to do as best as we can to have a traditional school day,” Matthew said. “But we also want to be respectful and accommodate those families that just feel like that at this time they would prefer to have their child at home and have us deliver content and work with their children virtually.”

Matthews said Barren County Schools expects to release more information as soon as July.

“We’re hoping to put all of that together here by the very first of July and communicate that out to our stakeholders,” Matthews said.

 

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