Update at 12:00 Noon: Baldwin County Schools will close on Tuesday and delay the opening on Wednesday. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores City Schools will remain open this week. Escambia County Schools in Alabama will close on Tuesday. Escambia County Florida Schools will remain open.

Parents,

Baldwin County Public Schools will be CLOSED on Tuesday and have a LATE START on Wednesday.

Details:

After significant discussion and consultation with weather and emergency officials, we have decided that Baldwin County Public Schools will be CLOSED on Tuesday out of an abundance of caution for possible freezing rain and icy conditions in our area. School and central office employees will not report to work on Tuesday. There will be parts of Baldwin County which will not have any impact from this weather event, but I cannot, in good conscience, require families or buses to be on the roads with ice possible early in the morning.

On Wednesday, school will start late at 10:00 a.m. With the weather in the teens and wind chill values in the single digits, we will let it warm up before putting kids on the road. Please adjust your schedules by two hours. All schools will open for drop-off at 9:15 a.m., and school will start at 10:00 a.m. All staff will report to work two hours from when you would normally otherwise report. Please note that absences will not be excused on Wednesday except by normal methods.

Parents, I only have the national and local weather sources from which to gain information. I know there will be some who think we should open school no matter what. There is no perfect solution, but this is the safe solution and that's my priority. I hope the advance notice has helped those of you who must otherwise work. I hope you know I appreciate your support and understanding.

Stay warm,

Eddie Tyler,

Superintendent

#BaldwinProud #CommunityStrong

Original article:

The advisory below issued by Baldwin County Public Schools does not impact Orange Beach City Schools or Gulf Shores City Schools. These school systems operate independently and will make their own determinations regarding school closures or delays based on the weather conditions affecting their specific areas. Parents with children in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores City Schools should watch for updates or changes to the city school’s schedules.

Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler issued an early warning to parents about the possibility of school closures on Tuesday and a delayed start on Wednesday. This precautionary measure, influenced by the forecasted rain and freezing temperatures, aims to ensure the safety of students amidst concerns over icy roads and cold weather conditions. Tyler emphasized the importance of being prepared for such weather challenges, especially in southern regions unaccustomed to freezing temperatures, and urged parents to make necessary arrangements for their children.

Parents, 

I want to give you a heads-up that it is very POSSIBLE that Baldwin County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday and start late (around 10 am) on Wednesday. I know these decisions impact tens of thousands of people across south Alabama, so I want to give you as much time as possible to make plans. Again, this is not a final decision just an early warning. We will have a final decision out to you no later than 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. 

My thinking and additional information:

Due to rain coming Monday night/Tuesday morning and freezing temperatures, there are significant concerns about icy road conditions. What we are facing is nothing compared to what's going across the central part of our country right now but in the south, our roads are simply not prepared for freezing temperatures and precipitation. Our buses are diesel, and they are also not prepared for cold weather. Nearly half of our school children ride the bus and early morning temperatures will be far too cold for children to be outside, waiting on buses. 

Of course, just as soon as we make this decision, it’s likely the bad weather will push north, and we will be looking at a bright sunshiny day. I hope that happens, but I have to be prepared for the worst and protect our kids.

I apologize in advance for the inconvenience this will cause you. I don't control the weather, but I always want to give you as much time as possible to plan when we have a potential school closure.

At this point, I think you should start making plans for what to do with your children on Tuesday as it is very likely we will close school and Wednesday will be a late start. Please do NOT listen to rumors or messages from social media as to what will happen with school. We will notify you of our official decision tomorrow morning by 11 am, in the same way in which you received this message.

Stay warm, 

Eddie Tyler,

Superintendent

#BaldwinProud #CommunityStrong