Lafayette Parish Schools to Remain Closed Thursday Due to Hazardous Road Conditions

LAFAYETTE, La. — The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has announced that all schools will remain closed on Thursday, January 23, citing concerns about hazardous road conditions following the region’s historic snowstorm this week. Ice on roads continues to pose significant risks, and local authorities have advised against unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

The decision comes as temperatures remain below freezing, preventing significant melting of snow and ice accumulated over the past few days. Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. explained the rationale for extending the closure.

"The goal is and always will be to continue instruction safely," said Superintendent Touchet. "We want to make sure that our teams are safe traveling to each campus, and our local meteorologists are telling us that travel may not be possible until noon on Thursday. We need to make sure that our students return to school with water, electricity, and heat."

Inspection and Preparation Underway

During the closure, LPSS Facilities teams and administrators will conduct thorough inspections of all school campuses. Their focus will be on ensuring that critical systems, such as water, electricity, and heating, are fully operational before students and staff return to classrooms.

"We are using this time to make sure every campus is ready to safely welcome back our students and staff," Touchet added.

What’s Next?

LPSS leadership plans to reassess conditions on Thursday afternoon to determine if schools can reopen on Friday, January 24. Families are encouraged to stay updated through multiple communication channels, including the LPSS website, the district’s Facebook page, the J-Campus app, and local news broadcasts.

Community Safety First

Local law enforcement has echoed LPSS’s concerns, urging drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Icy patches, particularly on bridges and overpasses, continue to make roads treacherous, and freezing temperatures overnight are expected to worsen conditions.

How to Stay Informed

For the latest updates on school closures and reopening plans, parents and guardians are encouraged to:

• Visit the LPSS website
• Follow the LPSS Facebook page
• Enable notifications on the J-Campus app
• Tune in to local news stations

With temperatures remaining low and road conditions slow to improve, families are encouraged to prioritize safety and stay tuned for further updates regarding the week’s school schedule.