Severe Weather from Hurricane Helene Forces Controversial School Decisions in Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky faced severe weather conditions on Friday as the remnants of Hurricane Helene unleashed wind gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph. This led to numerous reports of downed trees and significant power outages across the state.

As schools and government offices assessed the dangers posed by the storm, many opted for early dismissals. However, Fayette County Public Schools made the decision to remain open throughout the day, only canceling after-school activities, a move that sparked controversy among parents.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins addressed the community, outlining the rationale behind the school district’s choice. “The decision to close school is never an easy one,” he stated. With over 42,000 students and 9,000 employees in the district, any change in schedule significantly affects the community.

Liggins explained that the district’s choice to keep schools operational was made after considering factors such as potential downed tree limbs, intermittent power outages, and delays in bus routes. He stated, “We have heard loud and clear from our families that they want us to maximize the time our students have in the classroom.” Despite the severe weather conditions witnessed, he commended staff for ensuring that student learning continued uninterrupted.

While some families opted to keep their children at home due to safety concerns, many others depended on schools to remain open while they attended their jobs. Liggins also highlighted that students were able to take food home before the upcoming fall break, providing essential support to families.

On the day of the storm, Liggins acknowledged the hard work of school personnel, saying, “Principals across the district have reported that our teachers kept the focus on student learning, bus drivers safely delivered students to and from school, child nutrition workers provided meals, and our support staff kept everything running smoothly.” He also expressed gratitude to custodial and support staff for their efforts during the adverse weather conditions.

As of now, schools in the district are scheduled to resume on October 7, after the fall break.