UPDATE: Fayette schools hope for stricter adherence to mask mandate

School district to be stricter on masks, testing, test to stay, other measures

UPDATE POSTED 6 P.M. JAN. 3, 2022

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County Schools will start stricter enforcement of its mask mandate in schools and on buses when students return to school Tuesday from the Christmas break.

The decision comes as the number of new COVID cases is setting a record in Fayette County and across the state, although school leaders noted in a message (click here to read  Weekly COVID-19 Family Update 1.3.22) to parents Monday evening the spread of cases among school staff and students is not as dramatic as the community.

But, school leaders were quick to point out that could change quickly.

While stricter enforcement may not have been fully stated, district personnel said that is the goal with the hope parents and staff will understand the urgency.

“Our policy has not changed. We are reminding everyone of its importance and reinforcing compliance,” a district spokesperson said of the intent of the message from Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins.

“Properly worn masks should cover the nose and mouth of the wearer and strict adherence to this requirement is central to stopping the potential spread of COVID-19. This expectation will be reinforced districtwide,” Liggins said directly to families in his letter Monday evening.

In the introduction to his message, Liggins outlined current conditions:

“As we prepare to welcome our students back to campus tomorrow, I wanted to provide an update on the layered precautionary measures we will follow to help minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 in our schools.

“The FCPS COVID-19 Core Team met this morning with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department to review the current status of the virus in our community and discuss the
district’s health and safety procedures. Current data shows that while cases among students and staff are increasing, they are not doing so at the same rates as the rest of Fayette
County.

“Our experiences from the first semester demonstrate that FCPS can safely provide in-person instruction when proper prevention strategies are implemented with fidelity. Of the COVID-19 cases among our students and staff in the fall, only a very small fraction resulted from in-school exposures. Just as we have throughout the pandemic, our district will continue to partner with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department to monitor COVID-19 cases, follow the science, and adapt our processes and operations as necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of our students, employees and families. We will also continue to provide weekly updates and communication with our families, employees, and community.

“Although we might wish otherwise, we will be living with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. As we continue to prioritize the in-person learning experiences we know are crucial for the academic and social emotional success of our students, we are committed to doing everything within our power to keep our students, employees, and families safe.”

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED 8 P.M. JAN. 2, 2022

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – With the omicron variant driving an increase in COVID cases in the community and that likely to only increase coming out of the holidays, the Fayette County school district is considering possible new protocols as students return to school this week. In a message sent Sunday, Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins said he would release ideas Monday.

His message said:

Dear FCPS Families:

In our schools, we are blessed to celebrate a new year twice. First, in August when we start the new school year, and again in January, when we join everyone around the globe in welcoming the new calendar year. Each “new year” provides an opportunity for reflection and recommitment to becoming better versions of ourselves.

While the first few days of 2022 may feel like the last few days of 2021, we have the opportunity collectively to make this year different. Just as the challenges before us did not develop overnight, they cannot be swept away with the confetti of New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, we can resolve to address them together, with a renewed commitment toward a shared vision.

I am particularly excited about 2022, as later this month will mark my first 100 days of school as superintendent of FCPS. These first few months have been exhilarating and inspiring as you have embraced me as a part of Team FCPS and trusted me with your insights about and dreams for our district.

I look forward to sharing what I have learned during my first 100 days with you soon, as well as the steps I believe are necessary to take FCPS to the next level. It will take commitment from all of us across our community to see every student succeed. Based on the enthusiasm and engagement I have witnessed so far, I am confident that Fayette County Public Schools can be the first district in our nation to prove that equity and excellence are not only possible, but achievable.

The most immediate issue we face is the rapid spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in Fayette County. While we have seen an uptick in cases among students and staff, it has not risen at the same rate as the community-at-large.

Recognizing that COVID-19 will be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future, please know that the health and safety of our students, staff, and families remain our top priority.

Among the many things we have learned over the past 22 months, we know without a doubt that having our students on campus with classmates and caring adults, where they have access to wrap-around services and social-emotional supports in the school environments they know and love is critical for their well-being.

So as I continue to work with our public health partners, I will send more information on Monday evening regarding our response to the spike in cases and the layered prevention strategies that will be implemented in order to continue with in-person learning for students.

During 2022, we will no doubt face new challenges and uncertainties that will require all of us to be flexible. As we ring out the old year, let us hold onto the lessons of the past that will lead to a brighter future.

We look forward to seeing our students back at school on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Please be well and take care of one another,

-DL

P.S. We are still collecting input on the instructional calendar for 2022-23. Please take a moment to complete our quick survey here.