Montgomery County Schools Use Both Snow Days After Winter Storm

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) closed for a second consecutive day on Tuesday after a winter storm dumped more than 5 inches of snow across the region, exhausting both snow days allocated for the 2024-2025 school year. The district is now evaluating potential make-up days as cleanup efforts continue.

The storm, which began on Monday, left significant snowfall across the county, with Potomac receiving 8.3 inches, Rockville 7.2 inches, and Gaithersburg 6.6 inches, according to the National Weather Service. MCPS spokesperson Liliana Lopez stated that the district is closely monitoring road and sidewalk conditions to determine when it will be safe to reopen schools.

Lopez explained that the decision to close schools is based on input from the National Weather Service, Accu-Weather, and local media, as well as inspections of roads, school driveways, and sidewalks. ‘We are prioritizing the safety of our students and staff,’ she said. ‘The combination of snow, ice, and low temperatures has made cleanup efforts particularly challenging.’

MCPS has already used both snow days built into the academic calendar. If additional closures are required, make-up days could include Jan. 29, March 31, June 6, and June 16-18, among others. The last day of school for students is currently scheduled for June 13.

During the 2023-2024 school year, MCPS implemented a virtual learning day after exhausting its snow days, a move that drew mixed reactions from parents. Some criticized the approach as ineffective, while others appreciated the opportunity for students to continue their studies remotely.

As of Tuesday, operations staff were inspecting bus depots and other critical areas to assess road conditions. Lopez emphasized that the district aims to communicate closure decisions as early as possible, typically by 7 p.m. the evening before or by 5 a.m. on the day of closure.

Residents are urged to stay updated through MCPS communications channels as the district works to ensure safe conditions for the return of students and staff.