fcps decision pkg

Kenny.

In our top story at 11... the fayette county school board voted unanimously today to start the year online... following superintendent manny caulk's recommendation.

He says online is his choice, because of what he's calling a "summer surge" of covid-19.

The decision came after a survey was sent out to all families in the district...of which 34 thousand of 41 thousand responded.

District spokeswoman lisa deffendall, says nearly 9 thousand were interested in striclty learning online...while most preferred a hybrid option.

Caulk's team says n-t-i learning will be improved this fall...with each student receiving a chromebook laptop and wi-fi hot spot.

Abc 36's bobbi mcswine spoke to a lexington family that says they're happy with the decision.

######## "as a parent, i'm just thinking about my son's safety.

Kiah arnold's son....trayvon mason...goes to steam academy in fayette county...she says she's happy about the decision the board made thursday to start the year online.

"it was safe move as far as all parties are concerned...teachers, parents, support staff."

As a single mother...she says she knows it'll be a challenge...just like it was last semester when she tried to help her son with his coursework.

"we had to rely heavily on the teachers who has a whole bunch of other students.

When you have to deal with so many different students it's kinda hard to get that one-on-one attention when you're not there face-to-face."

Her son...who has a-d-h-d...says schools need to take individual needs into consideration this fall.

"some people work faster or slower.

Like you can just, just have it at a decent time for everybody to turn it in."

While she says online is the safest option for everyone...arnold admits she has certain priviledges some parents might not...such as being an entreprenuer with the ability to set her own schedule...and having a son in high school.

"that's hard.

You're a single parent- if you have younger children that depend on adult supervision, you don't have that, and you're trying to work too?

And i mean i have friends who are in this same position and are essential workers."

Arnold says she is concerned about her son's social life because he's always been a homebody...but says safety comes first.

She says she hopes everyone can get on board and get through this together.

"lexington has been name numerous times a great place to live and i think we're strong because of that."

Bobbi mcswine, abc 36 news.

##### ots image:right opening schools safely