Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington, Kentucky, have canceled all classes for Monday, February 2, 2026, marking the sixth straight school day without in-person instruction for the district. The decision comes in the wake of persistent snow and ice that have gripped Central Kentucky since Winter Storm Fern swept through the region on January 23 and 24, leaving several inches of snow and a thick layer of ice in its path, according to WKYT and Lexington Herald-Leader reports.
The district announced a traditional snow day for Monday, with officials citing “continuing weather and road conditions” as the primary reason for the closure. In a message to families, Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) also advised everyone to "stay tuned for a decision on after-school and evening activities," as reported by WKYT. This latest closure extends a string of disruptions: FCPS had already held virtual classes for four of the five days in the previous week, and students have not attended in-person classes since before the storm hit.
Winter Storm Fern’s impact has been far-reaching. Lexington’s temperatures have stubbornly remained below freezing since the event, and meteorologists predict they won’t crack 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the foreseeable week. To make matters worse, forecasts warn of more light snow accumulation and the possibility of a wintry mix on Tuesday, February 3. The relentless cold and ice have created hazardous conditions on roads and in school parking lots, complicating efforts to return to normalcy for students and staff alike.
Fayette County isn’t alone in its struggle. Several other Central Kentucky school districts, including neighboring Scott County, also announced closures for Monday. The region’s infrastructure, it seems, is still reeling from the storm’s aftermath.
The ongoing disruption has reignited debate over how Lexington handles snow removal, especially when it comes to clearing routes critical for schools. In January 2025, city and school district officials acknowledged that a lack of communication had hampered efforts to clear priority bus routes, leading to mounting frustration among parents. In response, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Fayette Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins issued a joint statement last year, vowing to be better prepared for future snowstorms after a previous winter break had stretched on for nearly a month due to similar weather woes.
Despite these promises, the latest storm has exposed lingering challenges. At least one candidate for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has voiced frustration over the city’s snow removal priorities. Richard Moloney, a former city councilman now running for the 11th District seat, took to social media to criticize the city for plowing snow in school parking lots during regular work hours, even as many neighborhood streets remained covered and impassable.
“I was out checking in on our most vulnerable citizens of our community and saw city crews plowing a school parking lot during work hours, even though the school has funds allocated for its own snow removal,” Moloney wrote in a Facebook post that quickly drew hundreds of comments, most of them supportive. “At a time when many neighborhood streets in District 11 still need attention, this raises real concerns about how city resources are being prioritized. Our first responsibility should be making sure public streets are safe and accessible for residents. Taxpayer-funded equipment and personnel should be focused on the needs of the broader community, especially after a storm.”
Moloney later told the Herald-Leader that he spotted city plow trucks at Dunbar High School. “My understanding has always been that the city’s snow and ice removal plan prioritizes public roadways, emergency routes, and critical infrastructure. I have never seen, nor am I aware of, language in the LFUCG snow removal plan that includes school district property as part of that responsibility,” he said. He’s currently running against Cassandra Vogl, a political newcomer with experience in regional development and criminal defense, for the council seat representing the 11th District, which includes the Distillery District and neighborhoods along the Versailles Road corridor.
City officials, for their part, stood by their decision to assist the schools. Susan Straub, spokesperson for Mayor Gorton, confirmed that city crews had helped Fayette County Schools with snow removal at the district’s request. Mayor Gorton herself responded pointedly, stating, “One of our crews did respond to a request for help from Fayette County Schools, a community partner that is in need and is important to all of us. For their trouble, they earned a cheap, political online attack.” She also announced that the city would revise its snow plan to better address ice storms, a move intended to prevent similar issues in the future.
Meanwhile, school officials have been working tirelessly to clear facilities and ensure safe conditions for students and staff. FCPS spokesperson Miranda Scully did not directly address Moloney’s comments about the school district’s own snow removal funds, but it’s clear from the ongoing closures that the work is far from finished. Custodial and district staff have been on the job for six days straight, attempting to clear roads, parking lots, and bus lanes. Yet, as of Sunday, many areas remained unsafe due to lingering snow and ice.
Gerry Brooks, a popular Lexington educator, former principal at Liberty Elementary School, and nationally known for his comedic takes on school life, lent his voice to the conversation. In a social media post and a follow-up interview with the Herald-Leader, Brooks argued that students simply aren’t prepared for such extreme cold. “They might have jackets for playing at recess in 40 degrees, but when the temperatures drop into the teens, they don’t have warm weather clothing to stand outside for 20 minutes waiting for a bus,” he explained. Brooks added, “The entire city is struggling to get the roads cleared, including the school systems. Bus lanes and car rider lanes at the schools are still covered with 2 to 3 inches and ice and while custodial staff and district staff have been working for six days to get things cleared, many schools still have unsafe parking lots and many neighborhoods still have streets that are unsafe for both buses and cars.”
The debate over snow removal priorities and the adequacy of the city’s response is likely to continue as Lexington faces more wintry weather in the days ahead. But for now, one thing is certain: the storm’s aftermath has left students, parents, and city leaders grappling with tough questions about preparedness, equity, and the best use of limited resources. With more snow on the horizon and temperatures refusing to budge, the challenge of keeping schools open—and students safe—remains at the forefront of public concern.
As the city and its schools look for lessons in the snow, the coming days will test their resolve and their ability to adapt. For thousands of Fayette County families, the hope is that brighter, warmer days (and safer roads) aren’t too far off.