OSD schools and clinic will close for Martin Luther King Day

All Osd schools and district offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, as the district observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, district officials announced. The Charger Health & Wellness Clinic will also be closed that day, removing a school-based health option for students and families.

The announcement, made Jan. 16, applies systemwide to classrooms and administrative facilities. The district encouraged the community to celebrate the holiday and reflect on the legacy of the civil rights leader. For many Lafayette County families, the closure is a reminder that federal and state observances translate to full-day interruptions in the regular school schedule and associated services.

Students who rely on school-based health services will need to reschedule appointments with the Charger Health & Wellness Clinic, and families should plan for childcare or alternate supervision for Monday. Employees scheduled to work in school buildings or district offices will follow closure protocols set by the district; those with questions should consult their supervisors or district communications for guidance.

Closures for national holidays are common across school systems, but they carry local consequences beyond a day off. Extracurricular practices, parent-teacher meetings and community events often hinge on school facilities being open. Local nonprofits, early-childcare providers and employers in Lafayette County may experience increased demand for daytime care and services when schools are closed.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day also presents civic and educational opportunities. Observance in schools traditionally includes lessons, community service projects and assemblies that explore civil rights history and civic engagement. The district’s call to reflection underscores a dual role for the holiday: it is both a day without classes and a chance for civic learning and community participation.

Residents seeking confirmation or updates should monitor official district channels for any further notices about Monday’s schedule. Families planning around the closure should contact schools or the Charger Health & Wellness Clinic directly for information about rescheduling appointments or accessing student health records.

For Lafayette County voters and community members, the closure is a prompt to balance practical preparations with civic reflection. Normal school and office operations are expected to resume after the holiday, and the district’s guidance will shape how the community marks the day and manages its immediate impacts.