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Board narrows winter-weather approach: use first makeup day, rely on NTI for extended closures
Summary
The board discussed snow-day options and graduation scheduling. Members favored using the first built-in makeup day at the end of the year for a one-off closure and using NTI (remote instruction) for additional days, and they asked staff to prepare communications and drafts for families and principals.
Oldham County school leaders presented calendar and NTI (non-traditional instruction) options at the Sept. 9 work session and recommended the board treat the district’s first built-in makeup day as the primary response for a single snow/ice closure, with NTI used for longer closures beyond the built-in days.
Staff explained the district’s current calendar leaves the last student day on May 27, with three traditional makeup days available and an NTI plan the district has approved by the state. The presenters described three broad choices for handling a one-day closure near the end of the year: (1) use a built-in makeup day, (2) call an NTI day, or (3) adopt a hybrid approach. Several board members favored using the first makeup day as a practical step to avoid last-minute operational stress on teachers and families while reserving NTI for multi-day events.
Staff described NTI plans that aim to balance instructional rigor and family burden: teachers would be available during school hours for check-ins, younger students would have one to two hours of assigned work, and high-school students could expect more hours of work (for AP and coursework). Staff also said the district can provide mental-health or threat-assessment clearances, remote learning materials, and printed packets for families who cannot access online content. Staff noted that some districts have used NTI extensively since COVID, with mixed family responses.
Graduation scheduling was also discussed. Staff noted facility availability constraints — local arenas and the convention center are scheduled by other large districts (for example, Jefferson County) and the district often slots graduations around those contracts. Staff said the district’s likely practical window for graduation this year is the weekend of May 30–June 1; athletics postseason events (track, softball, baseball) may occupy weekends near those dates and require planning. Board members asked staff to continue seeking venue availability and suggested contingency plans if outdoor fields are affected by weather.
Board members asked staff to draft a parent communication that explains the approach and to notify principals and staff so they can prepare materials. Several board members said they prefer clear expectations in advance rather than ad-hoc calls at 4 a.m. and agreed staff should return with a finalized plan in time for a fall weather-communications mailing.
