The Kentucky Senate has acted to clarify scheduling options for local public schools during coronavirus. Among other things, Senate Bill 25 provides for up to 10 days of remote instruction per school at the school, classroom, grade, or group level. Senate Education Committee Chair Max Wise said remote instruction provides for flexibility. “This is not non-traditional instruction days. These are remote instructional days, which are the equivalent of a days worth of education. It is not a packet that is being sent home. These are full instructional days,” said Wise.
Louisville Senator David Yates sought approval for an amendment to allow Jefferson County schools more flexibility by providing additional days. Louisville Senator Karen Berg spoke in favor of the amendment. “It doesn’t have to do so much with the children being sick as there not being enough adults in the building. There are not enough bus drivers. There are not enough teachers. There are not enough people in the school to watch these children,” said Berg.
That amendment was defeated. Wise said the legislation already features significant flexibility including the option of extending the school day. Senate Minority Floor Leader Morgan McGarvey voted for the bill but said the amendment was in line with efforts to ensure more local control.
