It did not take the Clinton County Board of Education long to make a decision about returning to in-person classroom instruction, as just four days after its work session last week, the board voted unanimously during its regular meeting Monday of this week to allow a return to the classroom–for those students who chose to do so–on Monday, August 31.

All members, as well as board attorney Winter Huff, were present for the just over one-hour meeting Monday, discussing at the start and end of the session about returning to in-person classes.

The recommendation for reopening classes in-person was made by Superintendent Dr. Tim Parson, with all board members agreeing.

During the superintendent’s report early in the session, Parson presented board members with a 18 page report, with the initial two pages showing what he deemed as “evidence” for recommending in-person school reopening plans.

School officially began as virtual learning in the district on Monday, August 17, and will continue virtual for students who chose not to participate in in-person classes at school buildings.

It was also noted during discussions that some other districts in the state, despite the governor’s recommendation to not open school in person until September 28, had, in fact, opened with in-person instruction this week.

In addition, another round of free COVID-19 testing will be held next Monday, August 24, prior to the start of the proposed new opening day for in-person instruction, giving the district a clearer understanding of what the numbers will look like prior to the August 31 start date.

The superintendent listed the following reasons (evidence) for in-person school instruction:

Physical health/safety:

* An estimated 75% of CCHS students would be out and about working jobs during the day if not in school;

* Exercise in school;

* Nutritious meals at school;

* Controlled environment at school.

Mental/emotional health/safety:

* Estimated 300 total kids district-wide…most of whom haven’t seen a mental health specialist face to face since March (20%);

* Decrease in kids on case loads because of lack of face to face interaction;

* 40% of people report increased anxiety and suicidal ideation during the health pandemic (CDC).

Lack of child abuse reports:

* Cabinet for Health and Family Services reported directly that current investigations of child abuse/neglect are one-half compared to typical years (mainly due to kids not being in school and/or daycare by their estimation.)

Lack of broadband and internet:

* Only around 50% of local students have access to high speed internet.

Lack of access to food:

* 75% free/reduced lunch, we believe many of these students depend on food from our school district, even for those who get meals from school, many don’t have adequate transportation to come to a drive-thru or a drop-off location.

CDC recommendation:

* Scientific studies suggest that COVID-19 transmission among children in schools may be low;

* The best available evidence indicates that COVID-19 poses relatively low risks to school-aged children;

* In-person schooling is in the best interest of students.

American Academy of Pediatrics:

* Entire article devoted to “Why students should go back to school…” (This article was included in the 18 page report given to board members.)

Special education requirements/needs (ADA title II and III, section 504 Rehabilitation Act, and the individuals with Disabilities in Education Act- IDEA):

* 18% of the district has an IEP and needs extra support/therapy;

* This group is missing out the most from individualized support, therapy, extensive support while in school.

Letter from President of the Senate, Robert Stivers as well as letters from Senators Wise, Givens, Thayer, Adams and Wilson encouraging “local decision-making.”

Also included in the information was a press release from the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents encouraging “local decision-making” citing CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

KDE Flagship documents:

* All requirements and all “Best Practice Recommendations” (by the Kentucky Department of Education) are being followed by the Clinton County School District.

Local Medical Opinions:

* Three (3) local physicians all encouraged us to open schools to in-person instruction (including the doctors who will treat nearly all local COVID patients.);

* Clinton County Hospital has tested 419 with only 16 positives for 3.8% positivity rate;

* Healthy Kids Clinic Drive-thru tested over 100 with one (1) positive result for less than 1% positivity rate.

Near the end of the meeting, the superintendent asked input from board members prior to their vote on in-person instruction.

Board member Bobbi Ann Stone said she felt it was a good idea to give parents the time to readjust to the new start date and get the school year (in-person) started a month sooner. Board member Sue Irwin agreed.

Board member Kevin Marcum noted he was always in favor of getting classroom instruction started on time and as soon as possible. “There are 20 different reasons (citing the superintendent’s report) as to why we should,” he said. He concluded that it was important mainly because of the mental health needs of students.

Board chairperson Leslie Stockton also was satisfied with the recommendation, noting as well it would give parents a two-week time frame to adjust.

Following the discussion, the motion to reopen in-person classes was made by board member Gary Norris, seconded by Stone and passed unanimously.

It should also be noted that virtual school will continue for any student whose parent/guardian does not want them to return to in-person classes at this time.

The board also dealt with several other items of business at its monthly meeting Monday and a separate article on that meeting can be found elsewhere.