Floyd schools postpone first day of classes by two weeks due to flood, superintendent says.

Floyd County Public Schools is postponing the first day of classes by two weeks due to the recent flooding in the community, the superintendent said Tuesday.

Anna Shepherd told the Herald-Leader that the first day of school for students will be August 24.

Shepherd said the Floyd Board of Education voted Tuesday at a special called meeting to change the academic calendar and push back the start date for students two weeks due to damaging flooding in the county.

Several schools throughout the county are now being used as a hub or mini community center to provide services and resources for community members left struggling without basic necessities. Water rose quickly July 26 and wiped-out communities, Shepherd said.

. Nine schools in the district are being used to feed families.

“Our nutrition staff are serving 4,600-4,800 meals per day seven days a week to our communities and our neighbors who have lost everything..” she said. “Several school locations have also become central locations to take showers, since some residents still don’t have power or running water.”

The Herald-Leader reported Monday that Perry, Breathitt and Floyd school officials were among those that told Education Commissioner Jason Glass their school year start dates in August would be postponed by at least one to two weeks.

Additional delays could be possible as districts get more information about the challenges facing their facilities, employees and students.

Perry County Superintendent Jonathan Jett said in a statement late Wednesday night that his school board had voted to delay this fall’s opening until August 29.

On August 5, Breathitt County school officials said in a statement that that district’s opening day would be August 29.

This story was originally published August 2, 2022 at 7:24 PM.