Local religious school teachers react to Governor’s ruling on in-person instruction

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- School staff at Legacy Christian Academy of Bowling Green awaited the day students would return to in-person class. A day that hasn’t yet come, as a federal appeals panel has upheld Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s order to stop in-person classes at religious schools during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The situation is not ideal. We feel like in-person instruction is the best,” said Barry Fields, pastor of Glendale at Cave Mill.

As of Monday, students at the academy are learning through virtual and remote settings, changing up the game plan of not only academy staff, but also parents.

“Now what we’re saying to the parents is that we’re with you, we’re praying for you, we’re trying to help you in any way we can,” Fields said.

While staff say the situation is far from ideal, they emphasize that there are workarounds, and help will be offered during this fluid situation. Students needing assistance can schedule appointments with teachers to meet in person for one on one sessions.

While not everyone is in agreement with the governor’s orders, what school staff do agree on is the fact that safety is the number one priority.

“We’re just trying to make the best we can out of an incredibly difficult situation. We pray for the Governor and his team, and we hope that he’ll listen to the other side of the argument,” Fields said.