Corbin Schools to close for a month to help prevent possible spread of coronavirus

The Corbin Board of Education voted Thursday night to close school for the next three weeks.

Earlier Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear had asked school systems across the commonwealth to close down beginning Monday for two weeks to help prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. As that leads up to spring break in most cases, it would result in the schools closing for three weeks.

Corbin Superintendent Dave Cox explained that Corbin’s spring break is a week later that most other schools, occurring the week of April 6-10.

After some back-and-forth discussion with faculty and staff in attendance at the meeting concerning the value of students returning to class for a week before going back out for another week, it was decided to take the additional week, meaning students will be out of school for one month

The missed days have been designated non-traditional instructional days (NTI), meaning teachers will assign work for the students to complete.

Cox said the assignments will be available online.

For the students who do not have internet access, or prefer to complete the assignments on paper, the packets will be made available at the school district central office.

In addition to classes, Cox said all spring sports and activities will be postponed for at least two weeks.

Cox that may be extended depending on the circumstances with the coronavirus at the point. School officials will consult with state education officials, and local and state health officials to determine when activities may resume.

The plan is to extend the spring sports seasons into June.

Cox said providing meals to students that rely on school for breakfast and lunch will be similar to what is done during the summer, with meals made available to be picked up at limited locations such as the Corbin Recreation Center.

Classes are now scheduled to resume on April 13.

As of Thursday, state officials reported eight confirmed cases across the state.