LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The state's largest school district will delay some fall sports.
What You Need To Know
- JCPS votes to delay some fall sports
- High-contact sports, like football, pushed back one week
- Recommendation made by Superintendent Pollio
- Low-contact fall sports can begin immediately
In a special meeting on Monday, the Jefferson County Board of Education voted to push back some high-contact sports, like football, delaying the first game by one week. Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio recommended this, saying it will give staff more time to monitor coronavirus.
The decision comes with disappointment for some parents and student athletes.
"He would be one of the starting ones out on the field," remarked parent Candice Gant. Her son is a rising senior at Pleasure Ridge Park High, a starter on the football team.
"I feel that [Board of Education] should let the parents decide. Let the families decide if they want their children to play," Gant added.
The board voted on a phased-in approach for fall, rather than sticking to the orginal plan or canceling all completely until Spring.
The first football game is moved to Sept. 18 from Sept. 11, and practices will proceed as planned with caution. Other low-contact sports like golf, field hockey, and cross country will go on as scheduled. That's immediately, under the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's (KHSAA) recently released guidance.
"We can monitor the situation and hopefully without a spike we can move forward into contact sports," Pollio told the board when he pitched his plan for the phase-in Monday night.
Board members said they've received thousands of emails from citizens on the topic of fall sports. The special meeting came on the same day as a "Let Them Play" rally at the capitol. Gant is part of that group pushing for sports to go on as planned. She's not concerned over the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
"I actually work for the health department, so I am at risk every day myself. I bring home a possibility every day for my children to possibly, you know, be exposed to this. My son knows. He stays and keeps his distance from everyone," Gant explained.
Meanwhile in Fayette County, the Board of Education also met virtually on Monday. However, no vote was taken. The district explained the plan in place to proceed with fall sports at KHSAA's recommendation.