FCPS closed again Tuesday as crews work to restore power, repair damage

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Fayette County Public Schools have canceled classes for Tuesday.

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins announced that after receiving information from the Mayor’s Office and Kentucky Utilities officials, they have made the decision to close schools on Tuesday, March 7.

Liggins said nine schools have no electricity and 16 others have a variety of issues including internet and/or phone service outages, downed light poles, trees, communication lines and minor building damage.

Schools were also closed on Monday.

Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Jason Glass says power outages cause a number of issues for schools, including compromising school safety.

Without power and internet, there is no communication system in schools, making it difficult to contact first responders in case of an emergency, especially in areas with spotty cell service.

Some schools lack exterior windows, which means no natural light. So, without power, students would be walking around in the dark.

Glass says the decision to cancel school lies with each district and superintendent but safety should be the priority.

In an email sent out to parents, Superintendent Liggins said Kentucky Utilities assured FCPS they’re prioritizing efforts to restore power to schools. Liggins says he remains hopeful that FCPS can return to a normal schedule soon.

Liggins also announced that free breakfast and lunch for students will be available for pickup between 11 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, March 7, at the following locations:

Arlington Elementary, 122 Arceme Avenue
Booker T. Washington Elementary, 707 Howard Street
Bryan Station High, 201 Eastin Road
Cardinal Valley Elementary, 218 Mandalay Road
Glendover Elementary, 710 Glendover Road
Lafayette High, 401 Reed Lane
Lansdowne Elementary, 336 Redding Road
Lexington Traditional Magnet, 350 North Limestone
Mary Todd Elementary, 551 Parkside Drive
Southern Elementary, 340 Wilson Downing Road
Tates Creek High, 1111 Centre Parkway
William Wells Brown Elementary, 555 East Fifth Street

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