FCPS explains how ice — not snow — is driving school closure decisions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Fayette County Public Schools leaders say ice-covered roads and school parking lots — not snowfall totals — have been the biggest factor behind repeated weather-related cancellations this week.

District officials took questions Wednesday as families across Lexington continue to deal with slick streets and freezing conditions. FCPS leaders emphasized that safety remains the top priority when deciding whether students and staff can return to classrooms.

They explained that while snow can usually be cleared within a day or two, thick ice has made cleanup far more difficult across several campuses.

“What you’ll see as we’re making progress, you’ll see more campuses getting cleared, but we still have a few that we haven’t had the chance to get the ice off of,” said Myron Thompson, Chief Operating Officer for Fayette County Public Schools. “It’s been very challenging getting the ice removed. Typically, if it’s snow, that’s not a problem. Within 36 hours, we can have our lots cleared, but this ice has really presented a problem.”

District leaders say warmer temperatures and sunshine are slowly helping conditions improve, and crews continue working to clear remaining problem areas.

As of Wednesday afternoon, FCPS had not made a decision about whether classes will resume Thursday. However, all afternoon and evening activities scheduled for Wednesday were canceled.

Officials say families can expect updates as soon as road and campus conditions are reassessed.