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The Kansas State Board of Education has rejected Governor Laura Kelly's Executive Order delaying the reopening of schools.

It was a split decision as board members voted 5-5, but a majority was needed. USD 445 Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll released a statement to KGGF - our sister station in Coffeyville on Wednesday. He said Coffeyville Public Schools is planning to open as close to scheduled as possible.

Governor Kelly says the vote puts students, faculty, their families and the economy at risk. She will continue to work with the school districts to ensure the safety of the children and will ask every school district to delay reopening.

Two executive orders were issued by Gov. Kelley on Monday related to the start of the school year in Kansas. Kelly’s first executive order was an attempt to delay the reopening of schools until after Labor Day, but it was rejected on Wednesday. Her second order – which was signed Monday and did need approval – will make COVID-19 prevention recommendations, such as face coverings and temperature checks, approved by the Kansas Board of Education mandatory that all school districts must follow.