LEXINGTON, Ky. — Many Kentucky school districts are weighing multiple options on how to safely reopen schools in the fall.

What You Need To Know


  • Fayette County Public Schools looks to start school week of August 24

  • School board members say they aren't confident it will happen

  • Parents answered survey questions, but still aren't sure they want to send kids to school

Fayette County Public Schools is looking at welcoming students back into the classroom, for face to face instruction during the week of August 24th.

But, some school board members and even the Fayette County Education Association tell Spectrum News 1 they are not confident that schools will be able to safely reopen by that date.

"I simply do not see a path to returning to in-person instruction right now. We need resources that if we do return to in-person instruction, we have to have PPE for our staff and our students we have to have cleaning and sanitation supplies, equipment. We have to have the technology resources to have any type of blended learning, and we're still waiting for that kind of support from the federal level,” explains Tyler Murphy, a board member on the Fayette County Board of Education

A recent survey from the school district asked families to share their thoughts. The survey listed several options that included:

  • All students returning with a mask requirement
  • Splitting students into two groups, where one group would go to school Monday through Thursday and then learn virtually on Friday and the following week. 
  • The third option would have groups alternate going to school for two days and online for the rest of the week.

"From a parent's perspective, I have two kids in Fayette County Schools. It's a hard decision for me to make, I'm not sure, really. I answered the questionnaire one way two weeks ago when it came out and now that we are seeing rising cases in Fayette County, Kentucky, and across the country. I'm not sure that I would answer the same way right now. And I think a lot of teachers that have kids in the system feel that way too," mentions Jessica Hiler, President of the Fayette County Education Association

Fayette County Public School board members say the decision-making process on how to reopen schools, won’t be easy.

"We have to recognize that this is a situation where lives, literally are at stake...I do not want to be in a position as an elected member of Fayette County Public Schools Board of Education...talking about a death of a staff member, or a student, because we didn't get this right, so we've got to get this right.”

The school district says that the results of the July survey will be made available to the public late next week. 

What You Need To Know