FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Franklin County Schools have made the decision to begin the 2020-21 school year 100% online.
Superintendent Mark Kopp says the core committee decided by a vote 19-0 on a phased approach to the start of the academic year.
According to the district's plan, students will be provided a Chromebook and every teacher will use Google Classroom.
If internet access is an issue, Kopp says the district has purchased 130 additional mobile hot spots and that buses equipped with WiFi may be deployed to remote areas of the county.
"It was not an easy decision. There's no perfect solution here. But at the end of the day, you know, we really do abide by the saying of safety first," said Kopp.
After the decision was made public, Patricia MacDonald sat down with her soon-to-be fourth-grade son.
"He's okay with it. I mean, he understands this is just how things are right now," said MacDonald.
When the upcoming school year in a new normal was up for discussion, MacDonald was hoping for a hybrid model with at least some in-class instruction.
"I did put down that I felt safe and comfortable being there with social distancing and I knew he would have to wear a mask at times. But I'm 100% okay. We'll make it work," said MacDonald.
"By them not having school, and the pools, the parks are closed, it's been rough on them," said Breanne Wilson, a parent.
Wilson and her family have made things work too. She says her two children can come to work with her, but even that setting presents some risk.
"I've been working since the whole pandemic's been going on, so I could've exposed my kids. You know what I mean? So I don't know, I just have to pray everyday," Wilson.
Superintendent Kopp says learning will be virtual until at least fall break. At that point, Kopp, and many parents hope the virus is under control enough to evaluate a potential return to the classroom.
As for athletics, the superintendent says if KHSAA allows sports, Franklin County teams will take the field this fall.
This is a copy of the planlaid out by FCS for school this fall.
