KY school district makes several flood-related changes, including canceling spring break

Flood-ravaged Pike County Schools will be closed until March 10, and the district is canceling spring break to make up for time lost in the classroom, Superintendent Freddie Bowling told families in a letter Friday.

“We understand this may be disappointing, but we believe it is necessary to ensure our students complete the required academic work, “ Bowling said.

When students return, the school day will be 30 minutes longer than normal to help make up for lost time. The final day of classes in the district is now scheduled for June 2.

Pike County was among the areas hit hardest by severe, statewide flooding this month, with major damage to roads, bridges and homes.

The district has been closed since the Feb. 15 flooding. School bus pick-up and drop-off areas are still affected because some roads are still inaccessible, Bowling said.

Under state law, Kentucky schools must have 170 days or 1,062 hours of instruction. The law also allows 10 days of non-traditional, or at-home, instruction. That usually includes virtual classes or take-home packets of schoolwork.

On Feb. 20, Bowling wrote a letter to families saying he was tracking House Bill 241, “which could help Pike County in terms of possible relief days.”

The Senate Education Committee approved the bill Thursday and sent it to the full Senate.

Sponsored by state Rep. Timmy Truett, R-McKee, the bill would provide five days of relief from the state’s required 170 days of instruction per school year.

This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 1:11 PM.