February 17, 2026
Dear Carter County Families and Staff,
Over the past several weeks, our school community has worked together through significant winter weather that resulted in multiple school closures. I am deeply grateful for the flexibility, patience, and commitment you have shown as we continue to prioritize the learning and well-being of our students.
I want to provide clear information about upcoming calendar adjustments and explain why these changes are necessary.
First, Carter County Schools applied for and was granted the maximum number of Nontraditional Instruction (NTI) days allowed by the state — ten (10) days. These days count toward instructional time and do not have to be made up. However, we experienced thirteen (13) additional snow days beyond those approved NTI days. At this time, the state has not granted additional waivers for those missed days.
Kentucky law requires districts to provide a minimum of 1,062 hours of instructional time. While there is legislation currently being discussed in Frankfort that may allow some forgiveness for missed days, both proposed bills — as currently written — still require districts to add instructional time back into the calendar. Carter County Schools may or may not qualify for any forgiven time depending on how the legislation is finalized, and we may not have clarity until near the end of the legislative session. Because of this uncertainty, we must move forward with a plan that ensures we meet the required instructional hours for our students.
Beginning February 23 and continuing through the end of the school year, the instructional day will be extended by twenty (20) minutes. This additional time will provide approximately twenty-one (21) hours of instruction, or the equivalent of three and a half (3.5) school days. In addition, the first two days of Spring Break will now be regular instructional days. The state does not award “snow days,” but it does provide five (5) emergency hours, and our district has applied for those hours as well.
Without adding instructional time, our projected last day of school would have been June 10. By extending the day and adjusting the calendar, our last day for students is now projected to be May 29. That is tentative depending on additional weather.
I recognize that these changes are not appealing or convenient for everyone. Adjusting schedules impacts families, staff, and students in many ways. Please know that these decisions were made carefully, with the goal of minimizing the impact on our end-of-year calendar while ensuring our students receive the instructional time they deserve. Attendance laws and expectations will apply during the additional instructional minutes and the adjusted Spring Break days.
Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and dedication to the students of Carter County. Together, we will continue to focus on providing meaningful learning opportunities and finishing the school year strong.
With appreciation,
Jennifer S. Fraley, Ed.D.
Superintendent