We’ve received several questions about why school buses may not be able to travel safely on icy secondary roads even when some cars can — and that’s a fair question.
School buses are much heavier, take longer to stop, and cannot maneuver or brake the same way smaller vehicles can on ice. A situation that may be manageable for a car can be dangerous for a bus carrying dozens of students, especially on narrow, hilly, or untreated roads.
We also understand that families experience different road conditions. If, as a parent, you feel that it is not safe for your child to travel due to your specific road conditions, that decision is respected. Student safety comes first. If you feel it is unsafe for your children to attend in person, you may keep them home. You do have the option to submit a parent note for your child's absence, but it will be counted as an absence. Absences related to weather and safety concerns will be handled with understanding.
In some mountain counties, districts are able to run modified or partial routes when secondary roads are difficult to travel. This is a suggestion that has been shared with us often, and we continue to explore all options available to us. Unfortunately, in a large county with many varied road conditions, there is no decision that meets every family’s needs every time.
We also recognize that no matter what decision is made — in-person learning, remote learning, or closures — some families will be frustrated, and that is understandable. Our goal is always to make the safest and most responsible decision for the greatest number of students while honoring that families know their own circumstances best.
Thank you for your patience, your trust, and the care you show for your children every day.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SafetyFirst
School buses are much heavier, take longer to stop, and cannot maneuver or brake the same way smaller vehicles can on ice. A situation that may be manageable for a car can be dangerous for a bus carrying dozens of students, especially on narrow, hilly, or untreated roads.
We also understand that families experience different road conditions. If, as a parent, you feel that it is not safe for your child to travel due to your specific road conditions, that decision is respected. Student safety comes first. If you feel it is unsafe for your children to attend in person, you may keep them home. You do have the option to submit a parent note for your child's absence, but it will be counted as an absence. Absences related to weather and safety concerns will be handled with understanding.
In some mountain counties, districts are able to run modified or partial routes when secondary roads are difficult to travel. This is a suggestion that has been shared with us often, and we continue to explore all options available to us. Unfortunately, in a large county with many varied road conditions, there is no decision that meets every family’s needs every time.
We also recognize that no matter what decision is made — in-person learning, remote learning, or closures — some families will be frustrated, and that is understandable. Our goal is always to make the safest and most responsible decision for the greatest number of students while honoring that families know their own circumstances best.
Thank you for your patience, your trust, and the care you show for your children every day.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SafetyFirst
When the roads are slick, we move a little slower, not a little less safely.
Due to black ice remaining on some secondary roads, Lincoln County Schools will operate on a TWO-HOUR DELAY for both students and staff on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
High school students, including LCST, will report to 1st period. There will be no 2nd period, and 3rd period will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Some roads will be impassable by school buses. Your school’s communication will indicate whether students should meet the bus at the end of the street or be transported directly to school. Afternoon route changes will be communicated by schools tomorrow.
Student drivers are advised to use primary roads as much as possible when traveling to school.
Breakfast will be served at all schools.
A big thank you to our facilities, maintenance, custodial, transportation, and school-based staff who continued working today to prepare roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots so our campuses can safely reopen.
Please continue to monitor the district website and local news outlets in case conditions change.
#SchoolDelay #WeAreLINCOLN
Due to black ice remaining on some secondary roads, Lincoln County Schools will operate on a TWO-HOUR DELAY for both students and staff on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
High school students, including LCST, will report to 1st period. There will be no 2nd period, and 3rd period will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Some roads will be impassable by school buses. Your school’s communication will indicate whether students should meet the bus at the end of the street or be transported directly to school. Afternoon route changes will be communicated by schools tomorrow.
Student drivers are advised to use primary roads as much as possible when traveling to school.
Breakfast will be served at all schools.
A big thank you to our facilities, maintenance, custodial, transportation, and school-based staff who continued working today to prepare roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots so our campuses can safely reopen.
Please continue to monitor the district website and local news outlets in case conditions change.
#SchoolDelay #WeAreLINCOLN
Due to continued hazardous black-ice conditions on secondary roads, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff may continue to work remotely or may report to their site on a 3-hour delay. This day will not be made up.
We are continuing to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Decisions for athletic practices will be made by 10:00am on Wednesday for optional athletic workouts if the roads are safe.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SafetyFirst
Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff may continue to work remotely or may report to their site on a 3-hour delay. This day will not be made up.
We are continuing to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Decisions for athletic practices will be made by 10:00am on Wednesday for optional athletic workouts if the roads are safe.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SafetyFirst
While most students and staff are working remotely today, our essential facilities teams are hard at work across Lincoln County Schools, preparing for a safe return.
Building administrators, custodians, district maintenance, and transportation staff are on campuses checking buildings, clearing walkways, parking lots, and starting buses. Additional employees are also driving secondary roads throughout the county to monitor for ice and changing conditions.
All of this work helps us make the safest, most informed decision possible for our students and staff. We will share a decision early this evening regarding tomorrow's plans.
Thank you to our teams who are working behind the scenes to take care of our schools and our community.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSOperations
Building administrators, custodians, district maintenance, and transportation staff are on campuses checking buildings, clearing walkways, parking lots, and starting buses. Additional employees are also driving secondary roads throughout the county to monitor for ice and changing conditions.
All of this work helps us make the safest, most informed decision possible for our students and staff. We will share a decision early this evening regarding tomorrow's plans.
Thank you to our teams who are working behind the scenes to take care of our schools and our community.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSOperations
Are we trying to reach you… but your phone is ghosting us? 👀
If you’re not getting school calls, texts, or emails, it likely means we don’t have your current contact information in Infinite Campus — and we don’t want to miss you when it matters most.
Good news: it’s an easy fix.
Just email your school’s data manager and ask them to update your contact information in Infinite Campus.
Keeping your info up to date helps make sure you receive:
• weather and emergency notifications
• school and teacher messages
• important district updates
Help us help you stay in the loop — because we promise, we’re not ignoring you… your phone just might be. 😉
#WeAreLINCOLN #StayConnected
If you’re not getting school calls, texts, or emails, it likely means we don’t have your current contact information in Infinite Campus — and we don’t want to miss you when it matters most.
Good news: it’s an easy fix.
Just email your school’s data manager and ask them to update your contact information in Infinite Campus.
Keeping your info up to date helps make sure you receive:
• weather and emergency notifications
• school and teacher messages
• important district updates
Help us help you stay in the loop — because we promise, we’re not ignoring you… your phone just might be. 😉
#WeAreLINCOLN #StayConnected
Due to hazardous conditions on secondary roads, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Students will participate in a remote learning day, and all staff will work remotely. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. This day will not be made up. We will continue to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school.
For more information about how school closure vs. remote learning decisions are made, click here: https://bit.ly/3Z0KfwH
For more information about how school closure vs. remote learning decisions are made, click here: https://bit.ly/3Z0KfwH
We are now accepting applications for several varsity coaching positions at Lincolnton High School for the 2025–2026 school year, including softball and track. If you are passionate about supporting student-athletes and building strong programs, we encourage you to apply. Visit lcsnc.schoolspring.com to view details and submit your application.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers
💙 Meet Krista Heavner 💙
School Board Appreciation Month
Meet Krista Heavner, Board Co-Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Education. Krista leads with joy, encouragement, and a genuine heart for students, families, and staff across our district.
A Drexel native, Krista is a speech-language pathologist and auditory verbal therapist whose career reflects her deep commitment to helping others communicate, connect, and thrive. She once thought she’d grow up to be a lawyer—but her passion for advocacy and support shines through just the same in her work and board service.
In her free time, Krista teaches fitness classes at the YMCA, enjoys running and reading, and loves spending time with her family. She’s happiest when they’re together—whether hiking, traveling, or playing games. Known for her loyalty and positivity, Krista brings energy and encouragement to everything she does.
She’s a fan of 90s hip-hop, loves an ice-cold Diet Coke, can’t resist Chick-fil-A waffle fries, and is a proud beagle mom to Max and Felicity.
We are thankful for Krista’s joyful leadership, steady encouragement, and dedication to serving Lincoln County Schools. Thank you, Krista, for all you do for our students and community.
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #BoardCoChair #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
School Board Appreciation Month
Meet Krista Heavner, Board Co-Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Education. Krista leads with joy, encouragement, and a genuine heart for students, families, and staff across our district.
A Drexel native, Krista is a speech-language pathologist and auditory verbal therapist whose career reflects her deep commitment to helping others communicate, connect, and thrive. She once thought she’d grow up to be a lawyer—but her passion for advocacy and support shines through just the same in her work and board service.
In her free time, Krista teaches fitness classes at the YMCA, enjoys running and reading, and loves spending time with her family. She’s happiest when they’re together—whether hiking, traveling, or playing games. Known for her loyalty and positivity, Krista brings energy and encouragement to everything she does.
She’s a fan of 90s hip-hop, loves an ice-cold Diet Coke, can’t resist Chick-fil-A waffle fries, and is a proud beagle mom to Max and Felicity.
We are thankful for Krista’s joyful leadership, steady encouragement, and dedication to serving Lincoln County Schools. Thank you, Krista, for all you do for our students and community.
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #BoardCoChair #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
Snow day, but make it superintendent-approved:
Due to the potential for hazardous road conditions and winter storm warnings in our community, all Lincoln County Schools will be closed for students on Monday, January 26, 2026, with no remote learning.
Staff will operate on a remote optional workday, which applies to all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees. This day will not be made up.
We’re sharing this early in case anyone loses power during the storm, and to give families and staff time to plan. Please use extreme caution over the next few days, stay safe, and enjoy a bonus winter break day if you can.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSSnowDay
Due to the potential for hazardous road conditions and winter storm warnings in our community, all Lincoln County Schools will be closed for students on Monday, January 26, 2026, with no remote learning.
Staff will operate on a remote optional workday, which applies to all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees. This day will not be made up.
We’re sharing this early in case anyone loses power during the storm, and to give families and staff time to plan. Please use extreme caution over the next few days, stay safe, and enjoy a bonus winter break day if you can.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSSnowDay
Leadership looks like learning real-life skills and supporting one another. During WIN time, Ms. Beattie’s group at Lincolnton Middle School is focused on practical ways to be leaders, and today that meant learning how to open the hood of a car, identify parts of the engine, and understand how car batteries and jumper cables work.
Thank you, Ms. Beattie, for inviting us in to capture a few meaningful moments from your day and for creating opportunities that connect leadership with real-world learning.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LMSLeaders
Thank you, Ms. Beattie, for inviting us in to capture a few meaningful moments from your day and for creating opportunities that connect leadership with real-world learning.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LMSLeaders
✨ #FlashbackFriday ✨
From student to staff, Colby Rash’s journey has come full circle!
Colby grew up in Lincoln County Schools, attending Battleground Elementary, Lincolnton Middle, and Lincolnton High. He still remembers the impact of teachers like Mrs. Stephanie Jacobs and Mrs. Pamela Lynch, who cared deeply for their students. 💙
Today, Mr. Rash serves as Assistant Principal at East Lincoln High. With experience at North Middle, Lincolnton High, and West Middle, he’s committed to giving back to the community he’s always called home.
When asked what he loves most about his job, he shared:
💬 “Working with teachers and students to learn and build a better community together.”
We are proud to celebrate Mr. Rash and his dedication to LCS! #WeAreLINCOLN #LCSFamily
From student to staff, Colby Rash’s journey has come full circle!
Colby grew up in Lincoln County Schools, attending Battleground Elementary, Lincolnton Middle, and Lincolnton High. He still remembers the impact of teachers like Mrs. Stephanie Jacobs and Mrs. Pamela Lynch, who cared deeply for their students. 💙
Today, Mr. Rash serves as Assistant Principal at East Lincoln High. With experience at North Middle, Lincolnton High, and West Middle, he’s committed to giving back to the community he’s always called home.
When asked what he loves most about his job, he shared:
💬 “Working with teachers and students to learn and build a better community together.”
We are proud to celebrate Mr. Rash and his dedication to LCS! #WeAreLINCOLN #LCSFamily
With the potential for severe weather this weekend, all events and activities scheduled on Lincoln County Schools campuses are canceled for both Saturday and Sunday, including youth sports and other community programs.
Keeping our students, staff, and families safe is always our first priority, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we take this precaution.
Please continue to monitor local weather updates and take care this weekend.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSNC
Keeping our students, staff, and families safe is always our first priority, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we take this precaution.
Please continue to monitor local weather updates and take care this weekend.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSNC
Leadership looks like showing up, lending a hand, and putting students first. This morning, Superintendent Dr. Aaron Allen joined staff at Norris S. Childers Elementary to help open car doors and welcome students during morning drop-off. Small moments like these make a big difference and remind our students and families that they are seen, supported, and valued from the very start of the day.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLeads
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLeads
The weather apps are doing that thing again… you know, when one says sun, one says snow, and one says “good luck.” 😅❄️🌧️
As we watch the forecast, here’s your friendly reminder about where NOT to get your school closing info:
❌ Not Official LCS Sources:
• Your cousin’s barber who “has inside connections”
• That one neighbor who becomes a meteorologist every winter
• Random Facebook comments predicting the next Snowmageddon
And now… the real deal:
✅ Official LCS Sources:
• Apptegy Alerts (texts, calls, emails)
• www.lcsnc.org
• Official LCS social media pages
• Your school’s principal (the real MVP of accurate info)
When there’s news to share, we’ll tell you—loud, clear, and first.
If it didn’t come from us, treat it like a 7-day forecast: questionable at best. 😉
Stay cozy and stay tuned, Lincoln County! ❤️🖤 #WeAreLINCOLN
💙 Meet Fred Jarrett 💙
School Board Appreciation Month
Meet Fred Jarrett, a dedicated member of the Lincoln County Board of Education who brings a strategic, thoughtful, and community-focused perspective to his service. A Lincolnton native, Fred’s deep roots in our community shape his commitment to ensuring strong schools for today’s students and future generations.
Professionally, Fred is a nuclear training manager, a role that reflects his attention to detail, steady leadership, and long-range thinking. He once dreamed of becoming a dentist, but his path led him to a career—and board service—grounded in responsibility, preparation, and care for others.
Fred enjoys fishing at the Outer Banks, listening to Chicago, and relaxing at Myrtle Beach when it’s time to recharge. He’s a loyal Diet Coke drinker, loves chicken pie, and is a proud dog owner to a very lovable (and smart!) basset hound.
We are grateful for Fred’s commitment to Lincoln County Schools, his strategic mindset, and his dedication to serving our community with purpose. Thank you, Fred, for your service and leadership.
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
School Board Appreciation Month
Meet Fred Jarrett, a dedicated member of the Lincoln County Board of Education who brings a strategic, thoughtful, and community-focused perspective to his service. A Lincolnton native, Fred’s deep roots in our community shape his commitment to ensuring strong schools for today’s students and future generations.
Professionally, Fred is a nuclear training manager, a role that reflects his attention to detail, steady leadership, and long-range thinking. He once dreamed of becoming a dentist, but his path led him to a career—and board service—grounded in responsibility, preparation, and care for others.
Fred enjoys fishing at the Outer Banks, listening to Chicago, and relaxing at Myrtle Beach when it’s time to recharge. He’s a loyal Diet Coke drinker, loves chicken pie, and is a proud dog owner to a very lovable (and smart!) basset hound.
We are grateful for Fred’s commitment to Lincoln County Schools, his strategic mindset, and his dedication to serving our community with purpose. Thank you, Fred, for your service and leadership.
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
🎓💡 AP Students – Be Ready!
All AP exams take place on the same schedule across the country this May—so whether you took your class in the fall or spring, your exam is in May!
📅 Plan ahead now.
💵 Exam fees are covered by the State of NC (but missing your exam could mean CollegeBoard fees).
👏 Last year, LCS students achieved a 71% AP exam pass rate—higher than the state average! We can’t wait to celebrate another strong year of success!
#WeAreLINCOLN #APExams #AcademicExcellence
All AP exams take place on the same schedule across the country this May—so whether you took your class in the fall or spring, your exam is in May!
📅 Plan ahead now.
💵 Exam fees are covered by the State of NC (but missing your exam could mean CollegeBoard fees).
👏 Last year, LCS students achieved a 71% AP exam pass rate—higher than the state average! We can’t wait to celebrate another strong year of success!
#WeAreLINCOLN #APExams #AcademicExcellence
We’re hiring across Lincoln County Schools, and we’d love for you to join our team. From teachers and tutors to support staff and coaches, there are many ways to make a difference for students this spring.
View current openings and apply online at:
https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com
#WeAreLINCOLN #JoinOurTeam
View current openings and apply online at:
https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com
#WeAreLINCOLN #JoinOurTeam
High school students: If you’re thinking about what comes after graduation, this event is for you. Gaston College wants to help you gain momentum toward a fulfilling career by giving you the opportunity to discover and explore the many CTE programs available.
Register to attend the Rhino Roadmap to CTE Careers Event on February 24, 2026 from 5:30–8 p.m. Learn about hands-on career pathways, talk with instructors, and see what opportunities could be waiting for you after high school.
Register here: https://www.gaston.edu/cte-roadmap/
#WeAreLINCOLN #CTECareers
Register to attend the Rhino Roadmap to CTE Careers Event on February 24, 2026 from 5:30–8 p.m. Learn about hands-on career pathways, talk with instructors, and see what opportunities could be waiting for you after high school.
Register here: https://www.gaston.edu/cte-roadmap/
#WeAreLINCOLN #CTECareers
✨ Flashback Friday! ✨
From Catawba Springs, East Middle, and East High ➡️ to Assistant Principal at Lincolnton High — meet Mr. Brett Bowen!
Brett says his favorite teachers, Ms. Barney and Ms. Sudderth, truly cared about their students and left a lasting impact on his future. Today, he’s paying that forward at LHS.
Mr. Bowen shared: “I have a very strong admin team and staff. Growing a positive school culture starts with people who care, and I firmly believe LHS has that on many fronts. There is a lot of good at LHS, and I want others to see it.”
We love celebrating our former students who now serve the next generation! 🍎 #FlashbackFriday #WeAreLINCOLN
From Catawba Springs, East Middle, and East High ➡️ to Assistant Principal at Lincolnton High — meet Mr. Brett Bowen!
Brett says his favorite teachers, Ms. Barney and Ms. Sudderth, truly cared about their students and left a lasting impact on his future. Today, he’s paying that forward at LHS.
Mr. Bowen shared: “I have a very strong admin team and staff. Growing a positive school culture starts with people who care, and I firmly believe LHS has that on many fronts. There is a lot of good at LHS, and I want others to see it.”
We love celebrating our former students who now serve the next generation! 🍎 #FlashbackFriday #WeAreLINCOLN
📘✨ Quarter 2 Report Cards Are Coming Home Today! ✨📘
Halfway through the school year! 🎉 Report cards are headed home this afternoon—be sure to check those backpacks 🎒. Take time to celebrate progress 🌟, talk through challenges 💬, and set goals to finish the year strong.
Thank you for being such an important part of your child’s success! 💙🍎
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #ReportCards
Halfway through the school year! 🎉 Report cards are headed home this afternoon—be sure to check those backpacks 🎒. Take time to celebrate progress 🌟, talk through challenges 💬, and set goals to finish the year strong.
Thank you for being such an important part of your child’s success! 💙🍎
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #ReportCards
