LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools remained closed Monday as the district works to fix busing issues that saw some students not get home until nearly 10 p.m. on the first day of school. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools remained closed for a third day as the district works to fix a transportation disaster

  • This has led many parents to find places to care for their kids

  • Neighborhood House in West Louisville has opened its doors to affected families

  • Monday the community center cared for more than 40 kids

These issues have caused a number of headaches for families who are now in a position where they need a safe place their kids can go while they’re at work. Thankfully, places like Neighborhood House in West Louisville have stepped up to help. 

“We’re here for the duration,” Jennie Jean Davidson, executive director at Neighborhood House said. “We’ll be here for our families for as long as this takes.”

The community center opened its doors to just over 40 K-12 students Monday after finishing its summer programs last week.

Throughout the day, kids get to do several activities that include exercise, social and emotional skills.

Giving kids a safe space to be is something Youth Program Director Norman Martin says he’s glad his organization is able to offer. 

“We know if we get them here, we are going to give him some structured activities. We know they’re going to be well supervised, well maintenanced, and get a lot of love,” Martin said. 

Martin adds this takes one more stress off the backs of parents, who quickly had to come up with a plan for where their kids would go this week. 

“It’s traumatizing for most, but this place is like this is good for him so we can ease the tension for, parents can be relaxed knowing that they got a place for the kids to go so they can go ahead and do their daily routine,” Martin said. 

For kids like 7th grader Rylen Wackins, being here beats just staying home.

“It’s good because I’d rather be here and be out on the street and doing something bad and what I’m not supposed to be doing. So it’s good that people can come here and enjoy time with their friends,” Wackins said. 

Neighborhood House is asking the community for donations to help pay for costs associated with staying open while JCPS sorts out its issues with bus routes. 

Affected Families in Louisville can take advantage of several programs Tuesday as well. The city’s libraries and parks will host several activities and the Louisville Zoo is offering discounted tickets.

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