Mixed Responses to School Closures Amid Weather Challenges
Schools across the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region faced closures and delays on Thursday due to lingering snowstorm effects earlier in the week. In Loudoun County, schools announced a two-hour delay for students, with administrative offices opening as scheduled. Culpeper County Public Schools opted for a more extended closure, announcing the suspension of classes for the remainder of the week.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) remained closed on Wednesday for a third consecutive day. The decision, influenced by factors such as icy sidewalks, parking lot conditions, and secondary road plowing, was met with mixed reactions from the community. District officials explained that nearly half of the county’s schools still required treatment for parking lots and walkways at the time of the decision. Parents, like Missy Martin, expressed understanding but questioned the necessity of continued closures.
“Surprisingly, they’re still closed,” Martin shared. “I could see the need yesterday, but today feels different. Still, I appreciate the extra day at home with my child.” Others, like Shadi Akhada of Potomac, recognized the vast size of Montgomery County and the varying conditions across different neighborhoods. “If icy sidewalks make it unsafe, then I understand the decision to stay closed,” she said.
Safety Concerns Remain a Priority
Other districts across the DC-Maryland-Virginia echoed similar safety concerns. Arlington County Public Schools cited icy sidewalks, secondary roads, and unplowed areas as reasons for their closure decisions. “Safety remains our top priority,” said a spokesperson, emphasizing the challenges posed by persistent cold temperatures on snow-clearing efforts.
Falls Church City Public Schools also acknowledged regional inconsistencies in road conditions. “While our city roads have improved significantly, many of our staff commute from other areas in the DC metro region where roads remain unsafe,” their statement read. The district highlighted the importance of considering not just school grounds but the entire commute for staff and students.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) followed a similar approach, deciding to close schools for in-person learning and activities on Thursday. The district emphasized virtual learning alternatives, stating that teachers would host office hours and asynchronous instruction for students. “We continue to prioritize safety, knowing that not all roads across the region are fully cleared,” ACPS shared in a letter to families.
Calls for Better Preparedness
Amid closures, questions about the region’s snow preparedness emerged. Jackie Oberst, a work-from-home parent in Montgomery County, noted that while her flexible schedule allowed her to manage the closures, others were frustrated. “I’ve heard from friends who work outside the home—they’re struggling,” Oberst said. She also expressed concerns about delayed snow removal efforts. “Our street wasn’t plowed for days. It feels like the county wasn’t ready.”
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich also weighed in, expressing surprise at MCPS’s decision to remain closed. “I’d like to understand their assessment,” Elrich said. “If sidewalks are unsafe, you can’t push kids onto narrowed streets.”
With closures and delays extending throughout the week, parents and officials across the DC-Maryland-Virginia continue to grapple with balancing safety and the return to normalcy after the snowstorm. For a full list of school closures and delays, refer to local updates.
