LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) announced Jan. 9 schools will be closed Monday, Jan. 10 and starting Tuesday schools will use Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days until Friday, Jan. 14.
"This will be a short-term Non-Traditional Instruction," said Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio in a press conference on Monday, Jan 10.
This transition is due to staffing shortages related to the coronavirus, according to Dr. Pollio.
The scheduled return to in-person instruction is Tuesday, Jan. 18 as long as staffing returns to normal. This is the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
JCPS said this is designed to allow staff to recover from COVID and complete their quarantines.
"The timing was surprising," Jasmine Wood said. The Bates Elementary School mother said she expected to go to NTI eventually, but Sunday at 6 p.m. was not the ideal time to find out.
"I think we knew this was coming, so if they had planned a little bit better they could've let us know more in advance," she said.
Principals will communicate with families about what to expect on Jan. 11. According to a press release, that message should include schedules, Google Classroom and other unique information.
Curbside meal distribution will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select schools on Tuesday, Jan 11 and Thursday, Jan 13.
Shortages aren't expected to impact sports or other extracurriculars.
Per Kentucky state law, each school district has 10 NTI days to use during the school year. In September, Pollio said it wasn't enough, and he feels the same way now.
January 10, 2022: Dr. Pollio interview
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