Emergency Procedures for Closing Schools

Typically Used for Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather Procedures

This page contains information for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) students, families, and the community. JCPS employees, see Emergency Procedures for Closing of Schools (typically used for inclement weather).

JCPS posts official announcements on the homepage of this website, on our Facebook page and X (Twitter) feed, and through our School Messenger alert system whenever school is canceled or a Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) day is used because of bad weather. In addition, local television and radio stations broadcast announcements.

The district takes multiple measures to ensure that our decision is best for our students. These measures include:

  • Continually speaking with the National Weather Service, which has the most accurate and advanced technology in the country.

  • Driving through all areas of the city before students arrive at bus stops.

  • Assessing accumulations of snow and ice at our schools and other facilities.

  • Monitoring the HVAC systems within our schools to ensure they are working properly.

  • Monitoring traffic conditions throughout the city with the support of Louisville Metro Government and JCPS Security staff.

After this process is complete, JCPS staff makes a recommendation to the superintendent, who makes the final decision to close schools.

Schools are Closed

The superintendent may decide to use up to ten Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days or cancel school completely. When this happens:

  • Early Childhood classes are canceled if the district cancels school completely. Early Childhood moves to NTI if the district moves to NTI.

  • The CEP snow sites operate. For more information, call (502) 485-3834 or (502) 637-1575.

  • After-school activities, including athletic practices, will be canceled, but athletic and academic tournaments may still be held. Contact your child's coach or sponsor.