COVID-19 Communication #3 (March 11, 2020)
In a state-wide conference call held this afternoon, Superintendents across the Commonwealth were briefed by the Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and state health officials relative to the current COVID-19 status in the state of Kentucky – and specifically with regard to P-12 schools.
At the present time, there continues to be NO RECOMMENDATION that public P-12 schools close.
The Governor did, however, provide Superintendents a “heads up” that such a recommendation may eventually come. Basically, he wanted Superintendents to have plans in place that would allow districts to respond quickly should such a recommendation be warranted. We are sharing this information with our stakeholders, as we realize that you, too, deserve a “heads up” relative to the many things in your life that could be impacted should schools close for any period of time.
We believe that due to the unknowns relative to COVID-19 that our state-wide leaders are proceeding as cautiously as possible – in an attempt to have the least dramatic impact on populations known to be most at risk (those over 60 and/or those who have heart, kidney, lung, or immune disorders). Fortunately, it is still the belief of the medical experts that children are the least impacted by this particular Coronavirus.
You undoubtedly have many questions relative to a school closure, as do we. Many decisions will be made at the federal or state legislative level and we will be unable to made definitive announcements until such decisions are made and communicated to us.
Our attendance was at 94%+ today (which is about as good as we get). As a district, our focus will be to proceed with all of the precautionary prevention measures described in yesterday’s post, while at the same time being intentional in continuing to provide quality instruction during this time.
The state has made the following helpful resources available to the public:
A state COVID-19 hotline is available at: 1-800-722-5725.
Individuals with health concerns are asked to consult these resources and/or call their primary care physician for instruction before presenting with any COVID-19 like symptoms.
Thank you for your support and continued attention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are committed to continue to work as a community to protect the health and well-being of all.