Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) –   In response to forecasted wintry weather and hazardous road conditions, school systems across Baldwin County Alabama and Escambia County Florida are adjusting schedules to prioritize safety. 

Orange Beach City Schools will shift to virtual learning on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with online assignments for students in grades 2-12, and be closed on Wednesday. While Gulf Shores City Schools will close Tuesday and Wednesday. Baldwin County Public Schools have announced closures for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, citing concerns about icy roads and extreme cold. Escambia County Florida Schools will all be closed on Tuesday.

Decisions about reopening later in the week will depend on updated weather forecasts and road conditions.

All schools are closed on Monday for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday. Below are details for each of the school systems in our area on the closings due to freezing conditions with the possibility of show, ice and freezing rain.

Orange Beach City Schools Move to Virtual Learning on Tuesday:

Due to predicted wintry weather conditions, Orange Beach City Schools will participate in virtual learning on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. School will be closed on Wednesday. No assignments will be made. 

• Students in grades 2-12 should log in to Google Classroom and complete assignments. 
• Students in grades K-1 should complete any assignments given on Friday. 
• There are no assignments for preschool students. 

Thursday
Staff will monitor the forecast to determine the status of schools. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, road conditions, the predicted timing of above-freezing temperatures, the amount of frozen precipitation, and the safety conditions of school properties.

The return to in-person instruction is contingent on precipitation and road conditions. 

All staff should work from home, maintain regular work hours, and remain available via email and phone.

As always, safety is our top priority. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Gulf Shores City School Closure on Tuesday, January 21st: 

School Closure on Tuesday, January 21st and Wednesday, January 22nd.

Gulf Shores City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 21st, and Wednesday, January 22nd due to extremely cold temperatures and anticipated wintry weather.

A decision regarding school closures for Thursday, January 23rd, will be made at a later time if needed.

Baldwin County Public Schools Closing Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:

Email from Superintendent Eddie Tyler:

Parents,

I know that a change in school schedules can be very difficult on families, so I try hard to let you know as early as possible about any changes. As a result of continuing weather reports, Baldwin County Public Schools will be CLOSED MONDAY, TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY of this week.  I hope this early notice will help you make the plans necessary. 

Schools are already closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Weather reports are clear that we will have winter precipitation on Tuesday, possibly continuing overnight with temperatures in the teens. I've already mentioned how dangerous any icy roads or bridges can be in southern Alabama. This weather will definitely create hazardous driving conditions for our buses, and it could impact our heating systems. As a result of these considerations, and in consultation with other school systems and local leaders, we are making the decision now to close for all three days.

While I know this will create an inconvenience to some, it is the best decision for the safety of our students. As I hit send on this, it is possible that the weather might change but we are going to stick with this decision. In an effort to give parents the most amount of time to make arrangements, I am going to lock in with this and we will see you back on Thursday on our regular school schedule.

Parents, every kid in south Alabama gets excited about snow. Find a sled or a baking sheet and let them have some fun. I hope and pray that everyone stays safe, stays warm, and has an opportunity to enjoy the unique weather.

Eddie Tyler,

Superintendent