FCPS Weather Policy: Is There a Temperature or Wind Chill Cutoff?
As winter weather approaches, parents often seek clarity on school closure policies in Fayette County. A crucial question arises: Is there a specific temperature or wind chill threshold that leads to school cancellations in the Fayette County Schools (FCPS)?
FCPS Weather Policy: Understanding Temperature and Wind Chill Criteria
Fayette County Schools does not have a definitive cutoff temperature for school closures. However, they do monitor specific conditions closely. According to a spokesperson, the school district considers a wind chill of -10 degrees Fahrenheit as a benchmark for evaluating possible school closures.
No Automatic Closures
It’s important to note that reaching this threshold does not guarantee that schools will close. The decision is discretionary and based on various factors.
Lack of State Mandate
In Kentucky, there is no state law governing when schools must close due to cold weather. Each school district establishes its own guidelines. For example:
- Madison County: No specific temperature leads to canceled classes or non-traditional instruction (NTI) days.
- Clark County: The chief operations officer stated there isn’t a set number. They consider various factors.
Factors Influencing Closure Decisions
When evaluating potential closures, school officials take into account:
- The actual temperature
- Wind chill factors
- Weather warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS)
- Existing snow on the ground or roads
- Impact on school transportation, especially buses
For parents seeking answers about specific weather-related school policies, it is advisable to contact their local school district directly. For any further inquiries, El-Balad invites readers to submit their questions.
