Students in Kentucky may have option to redo school year

ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) - Many students admit it doesn’t feel like they’ve learned as much this school year as they typically do, all as a result of the COVID-19 disruptions.

Senate Bill 128 would give families of students in kindergarten through 12th grade at public and nonpublic schools in Kentucky the option to redo the school year, regardless of academic status.

The bill is headed to the governor’s desk for his signature or veto after being approved Wednesday by the House.

Chensla Lee has students in fourth and fifth grade at Poage Elementary in Ashland. She’s strongly considering having them repeat their grades.

“I think they’ve missed a lot,” she said.

It’s estimated only 3% to 5% of students would take advantage of the opportunity, costing the state an additional $6 million to $10 million.

Sawyer Edens is a freshman at Paul Blazer High School. He says starting ninth grade over beginning this fall would allow him to focus on college courses when his senior year rolls around.

“I’ll save lot of money doing them here,” he said. “It’s cheaper doing them at the high school versus doing them at an expensive university.”

The bill would also allow high school students to have a fifth year of eligibility to play sports, as long as they don’t turn 19 before Aug. 1.

Tomcats basketball head coach Jason Mays, who’s also a teacher and parent, agrees it makes sense for students to have to choice for a do-over. He says a couple of his players haven’t been in a classroom all year.

“Just from the academic side of things, the social interaction, and the school culture, I think it’s a good idea,” Mays said.

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