Lexington, Kentucky, February 4, 2026
As winter weather continues to affect Lexington, Kentucky, local school districts are deciding between Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days and traditional snow days. This decision impacts both educational continuity and district finances significantly. School leaders are assessing financial implications, student safety, and the use of their allowed NTI days while ensuring they meet instructional requirements amid ongoing winter challenges.
Lexington, Kentucky: School Districts Face Dilemma Over NTI Days Amid Ongoing Winter Weather
Lexington, Kentucky – As winter weather continues to impact the region, local school districts are grappling with the decision to utilize Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days versus traditional snow days. This choice significantly affects both educational continuity and district finances.
Financial Implications of NTI Days
Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Demetrus Liggins highlighted the financial impact of NTI days. The district loses approximately $223,000 per NTI day in the Child Nutrition budget. Conversely, opting for snow days saves about $9,000 daily in diesel fuel costs, as buses do not operate. However, snow days may require extending the school year to make up for lost instructional time.
Districts’ Approaches to Instruction During Winter Weather
Clark County Schools has utilized eight of the ten NTI days permitted this school year. The district carefully considers the number of NTI days used and the remaining days in the school calendar when deciding between NTI and snow days.
In Jessamine County, the district declared a snow day instead of using an NTI day, allowing students to enjoy the winter weather. This decision was influenced by the district being one of the only ones in the area to remain open on a previous day, making the closure feel appropriate.
Statewide Context and Policy Considerations
The Non-Traditional Instruction program, established in 2011, allows Kentucky school districts to provide remote learning on days when schools are closed due to health or safety reasons, such as severe weather. Districts can use up to ten NTI days per school year. The decision to implement NTI days versus traditional snow days is at the discretion of each district’s superintendent, who must weigh educational needs against financial and logistical considerations.
As winter weather persists, Kentucky school districts continue to evaluate the best course of action to balance educational continuity with financial responsibility, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days?
NTI days are remote learning days implemented by Kentucky school districts when schools are closed due to health or safety reasons, such as severe weather.
How many NTI days can a Kentucky school district use per year?
Kentucky school districts are permitted to use up to ten NTI days per school year.
What factors do school districts consider when deciding between NTI days and traditional snow days?
Districts consider financial implications, such as the loss of revenue from the Child Nutrition budget during NTI days and savings on transportation costs during snow days. They also evaluate the number of NTI days used and remaining, the impact on the school calendar, and the safety of students and staff.
Can NTI days be used for reasons other than severe weather?
Yes, NTI days can also be used for other health or safety-related closures, such as widespread illness.
Do NTI days count as instructional days?
Yes, NTI days count as instructional days and do not have to be made up, allowing districts to meet state requirements for instructional time without extending the school year.
Key Features of NTI Days in Kentucky
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide remote learning opportunities when schools are closed due to health or safety reasons, such as severe weather. |
| Annual Limit | Up to ten NTI days per school year. |
| Financial Impact | Loss of approximately $223,000 per NTI day in the Child Nutrition budget; savings of about $9,000 per day in diesel fuel costs when buses do not operate. |
| Decision Authority | Superintendent’s discretion, considering educational needs, financial implications, and safety. |
| Instructional Time | Counts as instructional days and does not require makeup, helping districts meet state requirements without extending the school year. |
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