Kentucky, December 16, 2025
Severe sub-freezing temperatures have prompted widespread school closures and delays across Kentucky as districts prioritize student safety. Various school districts, such as Barbourville Independent Schools and Bell County Schools, announced two-hour delays, while others like Breathitt and Clay County Schools were completely closed. The decision process involves early morning assessments by superintendents to ensure safe conditions for students. To cope with these challenges, several districts have included Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days in their calendars to facilitate remote learning during harsh weather.
Sub-Freezing Temperatures Lead to School Closings and Delays Across Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky – Sub-freezing temperatures have prompted numerous school closures and delays across Kentucky, as districts prioritize student safety amid hazardous road conditions. Several school districts have announced closures or delays due to the severe cold. For instance, Barbourville Independent Schools implemented a two-hour delay, while Bell County Schools opted for a two-hour delay on December 12, 2025. Breathitt County Schools and Clay County Schools were closed on the same day.
Impact on Schools
Several school districts across the state have been affected, including Barbourville Independent Schools, Bell County Schools, Breathitt County Schools, and Clay County Schools, which opted for different forms of closures or delays. The adverse weather conditions have necessitated careful planning to ensure student safety.
Decision-Making Process
Superintendents and transportation directors assess road conditions early in the morning to determine the safety of school operations. In Franklin County, officials divide the area into zones and conduct road checks at 3:30 a.m. to decide on closures or delays, ensuring timely communication of decisions to parents and students.
Statewide Impact
The December 13–15, 2025 North American winter storm brought heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures to the region, leading to widespread school closures and delays across Kentucky. This storm has significantly impacted areas from the Northern Great Plains to the Ohio Valley, including Kentucky.
Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Days
To mitigate the impact of weather-related closures, many Kentucky school districts have incorporated Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days into their calendars. These days allow students to continue learning remotely during closures. For example, Daviess County Public Schools utilized NTI Day #1 on December 2, 2025, due to winter weather conditions causing unsafe road situations.
Looking Ahead
As winter conditions persist, Kentucky school districts will continue to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions to ensure the safety of students and staff. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed through official school district communications regarding any future closures or delays.
Which Kentucky school districts have announced closures or delays due to sub-freezing temperatures?
Several school districts, including Barbourville Independent Schools, Bell County Schools, Breathitt County Schools, and Clay County Schools, have announced closures or delays due to severe cold temperatures. For example, Barbourville Independent Schools implemented a two-hour delay, while Bell County Schools opted for a two-hour delay on December 12, 2025. Breathitt County Schools and Clay County Schools were closed on the same day.
How do Kentucky school officials decide on closures or delays during winter weather?
Superintendents and transportation directors assess road conditions early in the morning to determine the safety of school operations. In Franklin County, for example, officials divide the area into zones and conduct road checks at 3:30 a.m. to decide on closures or delays.
What is a Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) day in Kentucky schools?
Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days allow students to continue learning remotely during school closures. Many Kentucky school districts have incorporated NTI days into their calendars to mitigate the impact of weather-related closures. For example, Daviess County Public Schools utilized NTI Day #1 on December 2, 2025, due to winter weather causing unsafe road conditions.
How are school closures and delays communicated to parents and guardians in Kentucky?
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed through official school district communications regarding any future closures or delays. These communications may include notifications via social media, email, or telephone. Some districts allow you to sign up for this service on their websites.
What should parents and guardians do during winter weather-related school closures?
Parents and guardians should stay informed through official school district communications regarding any future closures or delays. It’s important to monitor local media outlets and the school district’s official channels for the latest updates. Additionally, ensuring that students have access to NTI materials and are prepared for remote learning can help maintain educational continuity during closures.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sub-Freezing Temperatures | Severe cold temperatures leading to hazardous road conditions and school closures across Kentucky. |
| School Closures and Delays | Multiple districts, including Barbourville Independent Schools, Bell County Schools, Breathitt County Schools, and Clay County Schools, announced closures or delays due to the cold. |
| Decision-Making Process | Superintendents and transportation directors assess road conditions early in the morning to determine the safety of school operations. In Franklin County, officials conduct road checks at 3:30 a.m. to decide on closures or delays. |
| Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Days | Many Kentucky school districts have incorporated NTI days into their calendars to allow students to continue learning remotely during closures. For example, Daviess County Public Schools utilized NTI Day #1 on December 2, 2025, due to winter weather causing unsafe road conditions. |
| Statewide Impact | The December 13–15, 2025 North American winter storm brought heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures to the region, leading to widespread school closures and delays. |
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