School Board Hears Updates on Sports, COVID-19 Vaccinations and Back-to-School Plans

JCPS Update: December 16, 2020

The expected distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to Jefferson County Public Schools employees will be the quickest path to a return to in-person classes – that’s what JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio told Jefferson County Board of Education members December 15th. Pollio updated the board on several fronts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on JCPS.

vial of covid 19 vaccination
  • Return-to-School: No date has been set for a possible resumption of in-person classes. Pollio told board members he would have further discussions with them before recommending a date to return to school buildings. JCPS’ youngest students would be the first to return to in-person classes. A virtual learning option will be offered to families who wish to continue learning at home. Pollio told board members he hopes to have a timetable for a possible return to in-person classes at their next meeting.
  • Vaccinations: Governor Andy Beshear is including school personnel in the second wave of Kentuckians who will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The state is requiring school districts to report the number of employees wanting to be vaccinated so it can formulate a statewide distribution plan for the limited amount of vaccine that will soon be available. JCPS will be surveying its staff and submitting its request by the end of December. Pollio told the board, if all goes well, there’s a possibility vaccinations of school-based employees could begin in January. The JCPS employees needed to transport, teach, feed and support elementary school students would be first in line for the vaccine.       
  • Sports: A decision about when to begin high school winter sports will be made after January 1st.  JCPS has delayed the start of high school basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving, bowling, and competitive cheer and dance due to the level of COVID-19 community spread and the fact that these activities are held indoors. Pollio said there will be a review of the data and discussions with board members to determine a possible return to practice and a start to competition. 

The Jefferson County Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2021.