Building damage not preventing Fayette schools from opening after snow, leader says

Winter storm-related maintenance problems at Fayette County Public Schools buildings are not preventing the district from having in-person classes, district officials told the Herald-Leader Friday.

The school district has not held in-person classes for the last 10 school days in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, citing snow and ice-covered school bus routes.

The Herald-Leader had asked district officials if maintenance problems caused by the winter storm were preventing the school district from resuming in-person classes after locals raised concerns.

“Facility-related issues have not kept the school district from operating. We have had roof leaks at 21 schools and are making repairs as we can, as the roofs are covered in ice,” said FCPS District Chief Operating Officer Myron Thompson. “As of this email, we have not experienced any broken pipes. There have been intermittent heating issues, but no schools have been totally without heat.”

“There is nothing about our school buildings that prevents us from having school,” Thompson added.

City officials have been criticized for being slow to clear Lexington roads of ice and snow. Gov. Andy Beshear has stepped in to help. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said Friday in a news release that work is progressing into the neighborhoods on school bus routes.

By 3 p.m. Friday, no decision had been made about whether there would be in-person classes on Feb. 9, school district spokesperson Miranda Scully said.