Fayette County schools resume full schedule amid distancing concerns

More than 14,000 Fayette County students who have chosen to return to in-person classes are now allowed to attend daily, raising concerns about social distancing. The Board of Education got a COVID-19 update at its Oct. 26 meeting, the first time members of the public were allowed to resume meeting attendance in chairs that were kept six feet apart. However, public comments at the meeting and online have questioned whether the county can keep virus cases low, given that students in full classrooms cannot maintain the recommended social distance.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Sanders said as of Monday, there were 16 active coronavirus cases among students and staff, mostly in elementary schools. He said social distancing would be practiced “when we can,” but admitted that’s often “not possible when we bring larger numbers [of students] into the building.” Masks are still required. Board member Brian Anderson suggested that teachers and parents be added to the COVID-19 task force (which now consists of administrators) to include their perspectives when deciding virus-related policies.