Shepherdsville, KY (September 10, 2024) — Bullitt County Public Schools (BCPS) is taking decisive action to ensure the safety and security of its students and staff, following the mandate from the Bullitt County Clerk to use BCPS facilities for early voting. As a result of this decision, schools will be closed on Thursday, October 31st, and Friday, November 1st. The district consulted with the State Security Marshal's office, which outlined a plan that includes an additional Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office deputy at each early voting location during school hours. However, BCPS had to thoroughly assess whether this was sufficient to ensure safety and whether keeping schools open was logistically feasible.
After careful evaluation of safety risks and logistical challenges, Superintendent Dr. Jesse Bacon expressed his concerns: “While the addition of a Sheriff's Deputy at each school is part of the State Security Marshal’s plan, significant logistical challenges remain that make keeping schools open problematic. Managing parking, arrival, and dismissal procedures alongside unregulated public access during school hours creates risks we cannot overlook. Additionally, handling potential emergencies like fire alarms or lockdowns would be severely complicated by public voting on site.”
Dr. Bacon acknowledged the support from Bullitt County Judge Executive Jerry Summers and clarified that the decision to use school facilities for early voting was made by the County Clerk’s office. “Our County Judge has been very supportive throughout this process, and we appreciate his efforts. BCPS worked diligently to identify and secure alternative locations for early voting, offering our full support to make those locations work for the County Clerk. However, the decision to use school facilities was ultimately made by the County Clerk, and we are working within those parameters.”
Commitment to Safety
BCPS is committed to making decisions based on the best interests of students and staff. While the district has worked with the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office and the State Security Marshal to establish a solid security plan, Dr. Bacon reiterated that security measures alone do not resolve the logistical challenges: “There are numerous operational issues, such as maintaining a secure environment while the public has access to school premises. We want to ensure that we are making the safest decision possible.”
Board Meeting and Next Steps
Dr. Bacon stressed that the district’s closure and requirement to make up the days missed would be necessary due to the County Clerk’s decision to use school facilities for early voting. “Unfortunately, if schools are closed, our families may face scheduling disruptions, and we will be forced to explore options for makeup days. These adjustments could impact winter break, spring break, or even extend the school year—all consequences of the Clerk’s decision to use school buildings instead of the alternative locations secured by the district.”
Call for Legislative Change
BCPS remains the only district in Kentucky’s 120 counties being required to use school buildings for early voting during instructional periods. The district is advocating for legislative changes to prevent schools from being used as early voting sites in the future, citing safety concerns and disruptions to the learning environment.
“We are proud to serve as polling locations for election day voting, but the County Clerk’s plan of requiring our schools to close and give up space two weeks a year for early voting is extremely problematic. I am disappointed that 119 counties recognize the problems this creates, yet we are the one county left to deal with this issue. We ask our community to support these legislative efforts by contacting local legislators and expressing the need for a statewide policy that keeps schools focused on education,” said Dr. Bacon.
Contact Information and Ongoing Updates
BCPS will provide further updates to parents, staff, and the community on when these two instructional days will be made up at the September 30th Board meeting.
About Bullitt County Public Schools
Bullitt County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to ensuring that all students are college, career, and life-ready. Serving a diverse community, BCPS focuses on providing innovative and engaging educational experiences that prepare students for success in a global society. With a dedication to excellence, BCPS prioritizes authentic learning, effective teaching, and a supportive environment that fosters growth and achievement. The district’s vision is to inspire and equip every student to achieve their fullest potential, becoming leaders of tomorrow and contributing positively to their communities. For more information, please visit the district’s website at www.bullittschools.org.