‘Harshest temperatures’ push Fayette schools to at-home learning Wednesday

Due to “extremely cold” and “the harshest temperatures of this arctic outbreak,” Fayette County Public Schools is holding its fourth NTI, or at-home learning, day of the school year on Wednesday.

“The safety of our students and staff is a priority,” district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith said Tuesday.

“That is why due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 22 it will be a non-traditional instruction (NTI) day. According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday morning will deliver the harshest temperatures of this arctic outbreak, with lows nearing, if not below, zero and wind chill values that will make it feel closer to -10 to –15 degrees.’

Under state law, Kentucky school districts can have 10 non-traditional instruction days. Because several districts have used more NTI days this school year than normal because of weather events and violent incidents, Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher and superintendents are asking lawmakers for more days.

Several other Kentucky school districts are also moving to non-traditional instruction Wednesday.

Despite cold temperatures, Fayette County Schools operated on a regular schedule Tuesday while several surrounding districts canceled in-person classes.