Written by Olivia Krauth and Mandy McLaren of the Courier-Journal
As concerns over the coronavirus in Kentucky mount, state lawmakers are weighing legislation that may help make lengthy school closures easier.
A reworked House Bill 461 would allow districts to use up to 20 non-traditional instructional days for a public health emergency, according to a copy obtained by The Courier Journal.
Any days already used by districts for weather events such as snow or floods would not count toward the limit.
The measure is expected to be voted on Wednesday afternoon in an emergency House Education Committee meeting. It would go into effect as soon as it clears both chambers and is signed by Gov. Andy Beshear.
The measure would apply only to districts that have state approved non-traditional plans, which let lessons continue from afar if classes are canceled.
Nearly half of Kentucky districts have approved plans, but two of the three county districts with confirmed coronavirus cases — Jefferson and Fayette counties — do not.
(Cross-posted via the Kentucky Press News Service. Read the rest of the article at the Courier-Journal.)
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