After weeks spent delivering nontraditional instruction to students stuck at home because of statewide school closures spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, the Bowling Green Independent School District’s board of education voted Monday to end the school year May 12.

The change means students will receive six fewer days of instruction. The original last day of school for students was May 21. District staff will instead use the time to consider how to continue instruction in August.

“We feel like our students and parents have stepped up tremendously to take on a new learning environment that none of them signed up for,” Superintendent Gary Fields told the district’s board in explaining the recommendation. The change, he said, should also offer a reprieve for district staff.

At the request of Gov. Andy Beshear, BGISD and Warren County Public Schools have shuttered their school buildings since mid-March, along with other public school districts across the state.

Since then, teachers in both local districts have continued to offer remote learning options through nontraditional instruction programs that had to be created on the fly.

Other staff members have continued offering student support services by distributing thousands of meals or offering mental health counseling services.

In light of public health guidelines advising against mass gatherings, school districts have also had to reconsider their high school graduation plans, a topic that was also addressed at Monday’s BGISD board meeting.

During the meeting, Fields said the district is planning to hold a virtual ceremony at 2 p.m. May 24.

Viewers can expect remarks from Fields, Bowling Green High School Principal Kyle McGraw, school board Chair Jane Wilson and the senior class president.

The week leading up to the ceremony – May 17-20 – will be “Graduation Week.” Activities will be planned based on guidance from the state Department of Education, which the district expects to receive in the next day or so.

Once the district receives guidance from the state on how to safely hold high school graduation ceremonies, a plan will be finalized. That information, along with scheduling information, will be shared with seniors by Friday, district spokeswoman Leslie McCoy said in a text message.

During those four days, the district would like graduates to be able to schedule appointments to show up in the high school’s arena dressed in their caps and gowns. With a small number of family members present, each senior will be able to collect their diploma and walk across the stage with opportunities for photos and video, Fields said.

The district also shared plans for drive-through “promotion” ceremonies for preschool, elementary and junior high students. Exact times for the events haven’t been announced. Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary students will have their promotion items delivered May 12.

Drive-through promotion ceremony for schools include the following:

• Preschool promotion: T.C. Cherry Elementary School, May 14.
• Fifth grade promotion: T.C. Cherry Elementary, May 13; Dishman McGinnis Elementary, May 12; Potter Gray Elementary, May 13; and W.R. McNeill Elementary, May 12.
• Eighth grade promotion: Bowling Green Junior High School, May 14.

Additionally, the district announced it will continue delivering meals five days a week up to May 22. After that, it will transition to its Summer Meals Program on May 26, offering two deliveries per week and meals for seven days.

In other business, the board voted to award early site work package bids for phase two renovations at Bowling Green High School.

Work on phase two of the high school’s renovations – which will include phase two renovations, including additional classrooms, a new 700-seat auditorium and auxiliary gym and a replacement for the school’s natatorium – is expected to begin in June.

The Warren County Board of Education is expected to meet Thursday to determine whether to adjust the last day for students scheduled on the district’s current school calendar. Currently, the last day for students is May 21. The WCPS board meeting at 6 p.m. will be broadcast on the district’s Facebook page.

– Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.