LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) — In anticipation of Arctic cold weather bringing freezing temperatures and the potential for snow or icy conditions, the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has announced school closures for Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This decision follows growing agreement among weather models that the region is likely to experience hazardous winter weather.

LPSS Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr., cited safety as the district’s top priority in making the announcement.

“I feel confident in making this call today to allow parents to prepare for students to be home and not subjected to the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chill,” said Superintendent Touchet. “Additionally, a combination of freezing temperatures and wet weather, in whatever form, could create hazardous road conditions which would make travel by any means, especially buses, dangerous.”

It’s worth noting that schools were already scheduled to be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As it stands, students will not return to class until at least Thursday, January 23, pending updates on weather and road conditions.

Matt Collamer, Unsplash
Matt Collamer, Unsplash
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Inspections and Updates

The LPSS Facilities team plans to assess campuses on Wednesday afternoon to inspect water and heating systems. Officials will also monitor the latest forecasts and road conditions to determine if schools can safely reopen on Thursday.

“Getting students back into the classroom is always the goal,” Superintendent Touchet stated, “but I will only allow campuses to open if we are certain that it’s safe to do so.”

How to Stay Informed

Parents and staff are encouraged to stay up-to-date by:

  • Checking the official LPSS website.
  • Following the district’s Facebook page.
  • Enabling notifications on the J-Campus app.
  • Tuning into local media outlets for the latest announcements.

This proactive decision comes as Lafayette prepares for an Arctic cold front expected to bring the coldest weather of the season, with temperatures dropping into the 20s and the possibility of icy or snowy conditions.

We will continue to provide real-time updates as this weather situation develops.

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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