FCPS students returned to in-person learning on Tuesday, February 10, after being out of school for over two weeks following a severe snow storm. Only four of these days were NTI days, leaving families waiting to see how the district will format the remainder of the school year. FCPS delayed students’ return to school on account of “continued unsafe road conditions on bus routes.” Those impacted by school closures and driving conditions felt that the city could have done more for the community.
Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear criticized Lexington’s winter storm cleanup efforts on February 5 during his Team Kentucky briefing.
“The conditions of the roads in Lexington are unacceptable,” Beshear said. “They need to be better, but we want to work constructively with Lexington.”
Beshear went on to say that this is the second time in a row that Lexington has disappointed its residents and beyond with prolonged street clearing. Despite the willingness of state crews to help the city, Lexington responded by saying their “ help wasn’t needed,” according to Beshear.
While city officials claimed that low temperatures and icy conditions interfered with cleanup initiatives, it is clear that opportunities to accelerate Lexington’s return to routine were offered. This is especially disheartening to FCPS students and families who are unsure of what to expect for the remainder of the school year.
Lexington CouncilMember at Large Chuck Ellinger shared his thoughts with WKYT: ““What I think a government has to do is provide basic services, and there’s not any more basic service than clearing your streets and making sure people can get to their jobs and that kids can get to school.”
Many continue to look towards city officials to take accountability for the disruption of normalcy experienced in Lexington. Furthermore, residents should be concerned with Lexington’s plans to prevent poor cleanup efforts like the ones observed over the past two winters, especially those relying on the city for necessities such as education.
