MAYFIELD, Ky. (WSIL) -- The Graves County School District is set to implement in-person instruction to students when classes begin August 26.
The county's school board voted unanimously to offer the option to families during a special board meeting Monday night.
Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) spoke with dozens of superintendents across the state and recommended holding off in-person instruction until September 28.
Superintendent Matthew Madding says the advantages of in-person learning is vital to keep students on track.
"Instruction as a whole, especially at the younger age level, is better done in face-to-face settings," Madding said. "[You lose] the ability to assess on an ongoing and continuous basis... when you're doing virtual learning."
The school district serves roughly 3900 students, and Madding says roughly 650 have signed on for virtual learning.
In-person instruction isn't only for educational purposes, Madding says, it's also about keeping students safe and assisting struggling families.
"There's a lot of our families in Graves County that depend on the meals that we serve our students when they're in school," Madding said.
Graves County has recorded 580 cases of COVID-19 since March 30, according to the health department's . From July 1 to August 6, cases doubled from 217 to 533.
Madding says it's crucial for staff to adjust once new, updated information about the virus comes in.
"When we're trying to make the best decisions possible, we've got to take the most up to date, most recent information that we have," Madding said. "That means that we have to be fluid."
