RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn (WGNS) - Rutherford County Schools will remain closed through Friday, January 30, as icy conditions continue to plague campuses and surrounding neighborhoods.

Despite initial hopes to resume classes by the end of the week, school officials announced Wednesday that a comprehensive assessment of all 52 campuses revealed significant safety hazards that make reopening impossible.

Safety Concerns and Infrastructure Issues

James Evans, spokesperson for Rutherford County Schools, noted that leadership teams personally inspected every school site. The primary concern remains ice-covered parking lots and sidewalks, particularly near high-traffic student entrances.

"We do stock snow-melt salt, but we don’t have enough to cover the amount of issues that remain," Evans stated.

Beyond the school grounds, several external factors contributed to the decision:

• Power Outages: Numerous residents in the county are still without electricity.

• Road Hazards: Multiple reports of downed trees continue to obstruct local roads, making bus transit and commutes risky.

• Limited Resources: The sheer volume of ice has exceeded the district's current supply of melting agents.

Looking Ahead to Monday

While students and teachers will stay home Friday, the district’s central office will be open both Thursday and Friday. Maintenance crews are scheduled to work through the weekend to treat facilities and ensure a safe return for students on Monday morning.

"We truly appreciate the parents’ patience and understanding this week," Evans said. "We had hoped to be open at least one or two days, but we also want to ensure no one gets injured."

Important Reminder: Choice School Deadline

District officials also issued a final reminder regarding the School Choice application window.

• Deadline: Saturday, Jan. 31.

• Scope: Includes applications for the 15 choice seats at zoned schools and all magnet school programs.

• How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online via the RCS website.

Parents with questions regarding the application process are encouraged to email choice@rcschools.net before the Saturday cutoff.