At least two KY school districts cancel in-person classes until next week, citing flu

At least two Kentucky school districts — Powell County and Wayne County — canceled classes through the end of week on Tuesday, citing the severity of flu cases.

Officials at a third district, Clark County Schools, said in a social media post Tuesday that they planned to continue having classes but were monitoring data from the health department.

In Powell County, said Superintendent Sarah Wasson, “We are seeing mostly Flu type A and our students were leaving ill in high numbers as well as staff illness. There are other illnesses our students and staff are experiencing but Flu A seems to be the most.”

“We will return to school on November 9. We were out the 8th for students anyway because of the election,” Wasson said.

Wasson said the district will not use at-home learning, but will make up the four school days missed.

Wayne Roberts, Wayne County Superintendent, said school would be out there the rest of the week.

In Wayne County, radio station Z93 Country reported that “due to very high absenteeism, Wayne County Schools will dismiss in-person instruction for the remainder of this week.”

Wednesday through Friday will be used as non-traditional instruction, or NTI, days. Students will be studying virtually from home and will consult with their teachers who will be on campus between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the report said.

“Hopefully these days will allow the flu to run its course,” the Z93 report said.

This story was originally published November 1, 2022 at 6:40 PM.