Prince George’s Co. Schools Preemptively Declare Multiple Snow Closure Days
Prince George’s County Public Schools have announced the cancellation of classes due to a weekend snowstorm. This decision was made on Monday and affects all schools in the county until at least Thursday. It is unusual for the district to declare multiple days of closures at once.
Reason for School Closures
Interim Superintendent Shawn Joseph explained that the storm left significant snow accumulation, necessitating extended cleanup efforts. Typically, school districts evaluate conditions day by day. However, the extensive nature of this storm led to a proactive approach.
Considering the impact on approximately 30,000 to 40,000 students who walk to school, the decision was critical. Joseph stated, “By the end of that first day, we just knew it was going to take longer than usual.”
Collaboration and Safety Assessments
Joseph shared that school officials regularly communicate with the county executive and other teams. They assess neighborhood road conditions, the safety of walkways, and the ability of staff to reach schools. Current protocols include daily surveys of road conditions starting at 4 a.m., with documentation to support their assessments.
- Approximately 200 schools in Prince George’s County
- 30,000 to 40,000 students walk to school
Community Impact and Future Plans
The advance notice of school closures alleviated some parental anxiety, allowing families to plan accordingly. Joseph remarked on the benefits of timely communication, reflecting on experiences from his previous roles in education.
Looking ahead, the school district will implement this new strategy for handling significant snowstorms. Joseph stated, “We’re committed to trying to communicate better and help families plan.”
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