Lincoln Public Schools have canceled classes on Friday, Jan. 8, due to an extreme winter weather pattern that includes significant gusting blizzard-like winds and dangerous, sub-zero temperatures and wind chills.

“Our community has experienced an extraordinary series of severe storms so far this winter, forcing our School District and many other Nebraska school districts to make some tough decisions,” according to Susan Gourley, superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools.

“When we look at any decision about closing school we examine a
combination of factors: snowfall, the timing of the storm, the forecast
of dangerous winds, and the potential for hazardous temperatures and
wind chills,” Gourley explained. “In the end, however, any decision to
close school is based on one factor and one factor only: the safety of
our students and staff.”

The current weather forecast calls for blowing and gusting winds,
bitterly cold early-morning temperatures of less than 20 degrees below
zero, and dangerously cold wind chills of 30 and 40 below zero. The
National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for Lincoln
until Friday at noon. Additionally, LPS maintenance officials report
that roads are impassable in many school neighborhoods due to blowing snow.

“The instructional time our students have in the classroom is precious,
crucial to our academic success, and we do everything in our power to
protect and maximize that time,” Gourley said. “Nonetheless, we cannot
and will not compromise the well-being of our children.”

Gourley explained that LPS builds additional instructional time into the
academic school year beyond requirements established by the Nebraska State Department of Education. However, Friday will be the sixth snow day for LPS – and from this point forward the School District will be required to make up missed instructional time according to state statute.

Gourley said LPS officials are now discussing possible solutions that
are educationally sound and in the best academic interest of students.
Possibilities include: exploring ways to lengthen the school day, and/or
adjusting the school calendar to use non-student days for additional
instructional time. “We are also working with employee groups to ensure a plan that is fair and equitable to our employees.”

The School District will continue to fully communicate all decisions
with the community, students and families, and LPS employees.

Even though classes are canceled, LPS would like all designated staff to report to school on Friday.