At Lynchburg City Schools (LCS), our top priority is always the safety of our students and staff. We also recognize that every day of instruction matters. We strive to strike a balance between keeping our school community safe and maintaining student learning.

Decisions to close or delay school are never made lightly. We understand the impact these changes have on family schedules, and we are committed to making the best possible choice based on the information available.

How We Make Decisions

When inclement weather approaches, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to assess the situation. We aim to make announcements as early as possible to give families time to prepare.

Our decision-making process involves several key steps:

  • Monitoring Forecasts: We continuously monitor hourly weather forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service.
  • Checking Road Conditions: LCS Facilities and Transportation staff drive the roads, including side streets, sidewalks, and school parking lots, during the night and early morning to personally assess safety.
  • Consulting Partners: We consult directly with the City of Lynchburg regarding road treatment plans and conditions. We also coordinate with neighboring school divisions and local private schools to compare reports.
  • Timing: We carefully consider the timing of the weather event in relation to morning and afternoon commutes, as well as the potential impact on after-school extracurricular activities.
Notes
  • When school is closed due to inclement weather, all after-school activities are canceled unless approved by the Superintendent or their designee.
  • Any early dismissal due to inclement weather will be on the 1/2 day schedule.
     

How We Communicate

In the event of a closing, delay, or early dismissal, we use multiple channels to ensure you receive the message quickly:

  • Direct Notification: Families and staff will receive alerts via email, phone, and text through SchoolMessenger. Learn more about Alerts
  • Online Updates: Alerts will be posted immediately on the LCS website and our official social media pages.
  • Local Media: We inform local TV outlets to broadcast our status.

Employee Codes

When inclement weather requires us to close schools, we use employee codes to clarify who should report to work. 

While these codes will be used for most weather-related closures, there may be other circumstances where School Administration requires certain employee groups to report outside of these codes. If that need arises, we will communicate those details clearly to the impacted staff.

Employee Code 0 - No Employees Report
All school facilities are closed, and no employees should report to work. 

Employee Code 1 - Maintenance and Custodial Personnel
Schools are closed for staff,  with the exception of maintenance and custodial employees who should report at a time determined by the Director of Facilities and Maintenance.

Employee Code 2 – Administrators  and 12-Month Employees
Schools are closed for staff. School administrators and 12-month employees, with the exception of 12-month teachers, should report by 10 a.m.

Employee Code 3 - All Employees Report
Schools are closed to students, but all employees should report at their normal time.

Notes for Employees
  • Generally, when schools are put on a two-hour delay, employees should report on a two-hour delay except for maintenance and custodial personnel who should report at normal time. School Nutrition Employees should report to work at normal time, or as soon as it is safe to travel. There may be occasions when certain employees are required to report earlier, and school administration will communicate those details to staff.
  • If an employee who is expected to work on inclement weather days does not report to work that day, they will turn in a leave form for either personal leave or vacation leave. If the employee does not have personal or vacation leave balance, their pay will be docked for that day.