Lafayette, LA (January 22, 2025) — The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) leadership continues to closely monitor the extreme cold weather and its impact on school operations. As we work to keep the community informed, we want to share the process and challenges involved in determining whether schools will open on Friday, January 24.
- Campus Assessments
Facilities team members and administrators must visit each campus to assess whether heating systems are operational and water pipes are not frozen. Ensuring that all campuses are safe and functional is our top priority. - Safety of Staff
Our staff members’ safety is paramount. We are in close communication with local emergency preparedness officials and law enforcement to determine when it is safe to travel to schools for these assessments. - Impact on Families
We recognize that school closures create challenges for parents and guardians. However, we cannot reopen schools unless we are confident they have adequate heat and water service to support students and staff. - Transportation Safety
Our transportation team is actively monitoring road conditions. Safe travel for buses, staff, and students is a critical factor in our decision-making process.
Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr., reiterated the district’s commitment to balancing safety and the need for instructional time:
“Every day a student is not in class represents lost instruction time. The state requires us to administer testing within a window, and our standardized tests are scheduled to start on April 1. It’s our responsibility to ensure that students are academically ready for success, but I will never sacrifice their safety.”
Superintendent Touchet also encouraged parents and guardians to stay informed through official LPSS communication channels, including the website, social media, and the J-Campus app.
“We understand the strain school closures can cause, and we are working diligently to make the best decisions for our students’ education and safety,” he added.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging situation. We will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
