UPDATE: Lafayette Public Schools Announce Closures Ahead of Tropical Storm Francine

In response to the approaching Tropical Storm Francine, the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has announced a series of early dismissals and closures to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff as the storm advances toward the Louisiana coast.

UPDATE:

Due to updated forecasts and a slight shift in the track of Tropical Storm Francine, the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has decided to close all public schools and the entire school system on Tuesday, September 10.

Initially planned early dismissals have been canceled in favor of full-day closures as a precautionary measure.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Early Dismissal Schedule for Tuesday, September 10:

- High Schools (including David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy and Lerosen Preparatory School) will dismiss at 10:30 a.m.
- All extracurricular and athletic activities must be completed, and campuses cleared by 12:30 p.m.

- Elementary Schools will dismiss at 11:15 a.m.
- This includes Milton Elementary/Middle School and Early College Academy (ECA), although buses will not run for ECA on Tuesday.
- Exclusions: J. Wallace James Elementary School and Truman Early Childhood Education Center.

- Middle Schools and the following elementary schools (J. Wallace James Elementary School and Truman Early Childhood Education Center) will dismiss at 12:00 p.m.

- Other Announcements:
- Edward J. Sam Accelerated School: The second session is canceled on Tuesday.
- W. D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center: Students attending the second half of the day will stay at their base school.

School Closures:

- All LPSS schools will remain closed on Wednesday, September 11, when Tropical Storm Francine is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane.
- Schools will also be closed on Thursday, September 12, while administrators assess any potential damage to campuses to determine when it will be safe to resume classes.

Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. made the decision to close schools early on Tuesday to provide LPSS faculty, staff, and families ample time to prepare before the severe effects of Tropical Storm Francine begin impacting Lafayette Parish. According to the National Hurricane Center, Francine could strengthen further, posing risks of high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the region.

All buses will be dispatched to schools at the designated dismissal times, and parents are encouraged to pick up students who are car riders. In addition, all afternoon activities, including after-school care, tutoring, sporting events, practices, and other extracurricular activities, are canceled for both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet has declared a state of emergency for Lafayette Parish, effective Monday, September 9, at 10:45 a.m., to enhance coordination of resources and community preparedness.

Residents are urged to complete their storm preparations by Tuesday night and stay informed through locals officials and news updates as the situation develops.

For further information on school closures or dismissals, visit the LPSS website and follow their social media channels for real-time updates.