FCPS to use both NTI and traditional snow days during 2025–26 school year
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fayette County Public Schools will use a combination of non-traditional instruction (NTI) days and traditional snow days when weather forces school closures during the 2025–26 school year, according to a release from the district.
FCPS says families will receive specific instructions from individual schools, and NTI pages on school websites will be updated as needed when closures occur.
Earlier this year, district leaders had recommended not using NTI due to concerns about instructional quality and funding. According to FCPS, while NTI helps keep students on pace academically, it is not as effective as in-person learning. In addition, when students are not physically in school for meals, the district does not receive federal reimbursement for breakfast and lunch while still covering staffing costs. FCPS estimates it loses about $150,000 for each NTI day, with that cost coming from the district’s general fund.
The district says the decision was revisited after additional discussions with the Child Nutrition Department and feedback from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, which includes high school students from across the district.
Officials determined that FCPS typically builds four extra instructional days into its calendar beyond what state law requires, and the school board often waives up to four weather make-up days. Because of that, the district says food service costs would be similar whether those days are used as NTI days or traditional snow days.
Students on the advisory council also pointed out that those enrolled in dual credit, Advanced Placement, and other rigorous courses do not always have flexibility to make up lost class time when college schedules and exam dates are fixed. District leaders say students shared that while NTI is not a perfect substitute for in-person learning, it is better than losing an entire day of instruction.
As a result, FCPS will move forward using a mix of NTI days and traditional snow days moving forward. The district’s full weather and NTI guidelines are available at FCPS.net/weather.
