UPDATE: May 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Following the severe weather and damaging tornadoes that hit the region, the Laurel County Public Schools has officially ended the 2024-25 school year, officials reported.
A post from the schools read, "This decision to end the school year will allow us to focus on our students and employees who have been adversely impacted, as we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies in the restoration of services to our community."
The Family Resource and Youth Service Centers will continue operations for affected families, the post noted. Meanwhile, graduation is still scheduled for Saturday, May 31.
UPDATE: May 19 at 5 p.m.
Laurel County Schools announced Monday that students will remain out of the classroom Tuesday, while students in Pulaski County will not return to in-person learning until next week.
According to Pulaski County Schools, "the Commissioner of Education has approved 5 alternative emergency NTI days due to widespread power outages, road closures, and cleanup efforts."
Laurel County Schools also announced that the district's family Resource and Youth Service Centers will begin reaching out to students to provide support.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Schools in Laurel and Pulaski counties will be closed Monday as communities recover from severe weekend storms.
Laurel County Public Schools has activated its Family Resource and Youth Service Centers to support affected students, with counseling staff available as needed, a post from the school system states.
In Pulaski County, utility companies are working to restore power throughout the area. Southern Middle School has regained electricity, while Kentucky Utilities expects Southern Elementary to be back online by Monday.
A post from Pulaski County Schools reads, "SKRECC and Kentucky Utilities are working diligently to get power restored and road crews are working with them to clear road access."
Pulaski officials are coordinating with the Kentucky Commissioner of Education regarding makeup days, potentially extending the school year into early June. The district hopes to resume classes by Tuesday.
