The Kansas State Board of Education failed to sign Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order that would delay the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

The board could not reach a majority to adopt Kelly’s executive order on Wednesday morning as the vote was 5-5.

Board members Mah, Waugh, McNiece, Porter and Chairwoman Busch voted to accept the order. Board members Clifford, Horst, Roberts, Jones and Dombrosky voted against.

The decision from the board of education effectively gives the choice of when to start school by a district-by-district case. Kelly’s order will not be in effect.

Kelly had asked that schools not open for in-person classes until Sept. 8, after the Labor Day holiday.

Comments from some of the board members are below:

• Deena Horst, District No. 6 (which includes Salina and Saline County schools votes “No”)
  

• Ben Jones, District No. 7 (which includes McPherson County schools votes “No”)
  
• Chairwoman Kathy Busch, District No. 8 (votes “Yes”)
  
• Janet Waugh, District No. 1 (votes “Yes”)
  

Salina  USD 305 released the following statement:

“At USD 305 we remain committed to our students’ education and their safety. Our administrators and Board of Education will continue to monitor health conditions and work with local and state health experts as we determine next steps.”