Ballard Schools Releases Plan for School Year

Ballard County Schools has released its plan for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.

At its Monday night meeting, the Ballard County Board of Education set Aug. 26 as the return date for students. Preschoolers will return September 2.

The school system says it will offer both in-person and virtual instruction.

Superintendent Dr. Casey Allen said the date will take advantage of state legislation that allows schools starting later to use fewer days for the same 1,062 hours of instruction. In the amended calendar, students and families still will have fall, winter and spring breaks, and the last day of school for students is set for May 21, 2021.

Allen added that the district would make any changes required by the state as the year progresses.

“We still believe that in-person, live teaching is best for kids,” Allen said. “However, we will have online/virtual options available. We will get details to parents a little later, and ask for their input on their decision for their children. We want to have an instructional program that works for every child. District administrators continue to take in daily updates. We will do what’s best for families, students, and staff, to keep them safe.”

Allen said the district will be addressing family concerns from a recent survey in the coming weeks leading up to the start of school. That will include information about masks, athletics and other topics.

Bus routes and pickup/drop off times will stay the same.