Jefferson County
August 24, 2020 7:00 PM
Special Meeting
I. Call to Order
Rationale

In light of the Governor having declared a state of emergency within the Commonwealth on March 6, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and in compliance with guidance issued by the Executive Branch on March 12 and 16, 2020, regarding the conduct of meetings of state boards and commissions during the emergency period, this meeting will be conducted by video-teleconference and available for live public viewing at the following link: JCBE MEETING VIDEO

Members of the public will have the opportunity to voice opinions or express concerns by submitting remarks via email. Remarks should be limited to 500 words or less and sent to the Assistant Secretary to the Board (angela.gilpin@jefferson.kyschools.us) for dissemination purposes prior to the meeting. Public remarks will be shared with each Board member and recorded in the Official Minutes.

Attachments
II. Recommendation for the Approval of a Plan for JCPS Athletics During Fall 2020
Rationale

Athletics play a deeply important role in the lives of students, schools, and the community. For more than 10,000 middle and high school students in the District, playing sports offers the opportunity to be more highly engaged in the life and culture of their school, to challenge themselves and strive for excellence, to acquire the attributes of hard work and discipline, and to learn how to work as a team. For many, those positive outcomes have deep and lasting impact, enriching their lives throughout their school years and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has required the District to reassess every aspect of operating a school system. The District Pandemic Response Team established a set of six core principles to guide the work of the District as it has made plans for the 2020-21 school year, including this proposal for fall 2020 athletics:

  • Health & Safety of students, employees, families & community
  • High-Quality Instruction across all platforms
  • Flexibility to adapt to new public health circumstances quickly and effectively
  • Equity to foster an environment of emotional health, with a focus on ending practices that negatively impact Black and Brown students
  • Accurate and Timely Communication to students, families, and employees
  • Community Trust will be strengthened when decisions are made with stakeholers as partners. 

In particular, as discussions regarding the resumption of athletics have taken place, the health and safety of students, employees, families, and the community have been the top priority.

On August 20, 2020, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Board of Control confirmed its earlier decision to permit athletics to begin on August 24, 2020. The action by KHSAA allows for each district to review the statewide framework and make adjustments, taking into consideration local circumstances relating to COVID-19 and operational contingencies.

This proposed plan takes into account the KHSAA position, the expertise and judgement of district leadership and athletics administrators, and input from a wide range of stakeholders. It was formulated based on the best data and public health recommendations available, keeping the core guiding principle of health and safety at its center.

The goal of this plan is to permit students to benefit from the opportunity to participate in fall sports while working to protect the health and safety of students, employees, families, and the community.

Submitted by: Amy Dennes

Attachment

Attachments
Recommended Motion

Superintendent Martin Pollio recommends the Board of Education approve the attached plan for athletics during fall 2020.

Actions Taken

Order #2020-121 - Motion Passed:  A motion that the Board of Education approve the attached Option 2 Plan for the phased-in approach to start fall athletics during fall 2020 passed with a motion by Mr. James Craig and a second by Mrs. Linda Duncan.

III. Adjournment
Actions Taken

Order #2020-122 - Motion Passed:  A motion to adjourn the August 24, 2020, special meeting at 9:08 p.m. passed with a motion by Mr. James Craig and a second by Mrs. Linda Duncan.