RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS are closed Wednesday (1/22/2025). Murfreesboro City Schools opening 2-hours late!
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In an unusual move driven by an arctic blast, Rutherford County Schools have announced a closure for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, due to dangerously low temperatures expected to approach zero degrees in the early morning.
James Evans, the Chief Communications Officer for Rutherford County Schools, emphasized the rarity of closing schools solely for cold weather, noting that frigid conditions like these are not typical for the area. "Many of our schools rely on portable classrooms, and it becomes challenging to maintain optimal heating in these facilities when outside temperatures dip into the low single digits," he explained.
Concerns also extend to safety at bus stops, where children could be left waiting in the bitter cold. The administration considered delaying the school start by two hours but quickly recognized that such a delay often leads to confusion and disruption for both parents and the school schedules.
With seven inclement weather days still available for use, and forecasts suggesting a warming trend following this cold snap, Director of Schools Jimmy Sullivan made the decision to close all schools in the district. However, the district’s central office will remain open at its normal time, and school-based custodians are expected to report to work as scheduled.
"We know a day out of school can be inconvenient for parents, but ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority," Evans added, reinforcing the district's commitment to keeping students warm and safe during this extreme weather event.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check for updates and stay informed through district communications. Scroll down to see memo to parents or guardians of students.
MURFREESBORO SCHOOLS: Also noteworthy, due to the bitter cold weather, the Murfreesboro City Schools will be opening 2-hours late on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY MEMO TO PARENTS: This is James Evans with Rutherford County Schools, and we want to inform you about the plan for Wednesday.
We don’t normally close school solely for cold temperatures, but the temperature is expected to be close to zero for the first part of tomorrow morning. These types of conditions are unusual for our area.
Many of our schools rely on portable classrooms and it is difficult to maintain optimal heat in these buildings when the outside temperatures are in the low single digits. Bus stops are also a concern.
We have debated opening two hours late, but we know everyone hates those days because it greatly disrupts schedules for parents and schools alike.
We also have seven inclement weather days in reserve, and the National Weather Service forecasters are calling for a warmer stretch after tomorrow’s cold weather advisory.
So with all that being said, Director of Schools Jimmy Sullivan has decided to close all Rutherford County schools for Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The district’s central office will open at the normal time and school-based custodians will report to work at their regularly scheduled time.
We know a day out of school is inconvenient for parents, but we also want to ensure safety.
