Snow-Covered Sidewalks Create Safety Concerns for Cincinnati Students

Snow-blocked crosswalks and icy sidewalks made it difficult for Cincinnati students to safely navigate their way to school on Thursday, raising concerns among parents and crossing guards. Cindy Wendling, a crossing guard at Dater Montessori, described the hazardous conditions as students were forced to climb over snowbanks and walk in the street due to uncleared paths.

“The snow is really making it worse,” said Wendling, who works daily to ensure student safety. She noted that many children lacked proper winter gear, leading to tears and near-falls as parents struggled to help them navigate the snow. “They can’t get over that hill, and the kids are crying, mom is trying to pick them up, and she’s stumbling so she’s almost falling,” Wendling added.

Despite a small path being cleared for one crosswalk during the school day, Wendling emphasized that the situation remained unsafe. “I have to tell them, ‘Move back, move back,’ so we can get it off of the street, so when these cars pull around the corner they’re not gonna hit us,” she said. Wendling called for better planning and snow removal efforts to prevent potential accidents.

Valerie Tobin, a volunteer crossing guard at Rothenberg Preparatory Academy, also experienced the dangers firsthand. She slipped and fell on ice just one block away from the school. “Luckily I didn’t hurt myself,” Tobin said, but she highlighted the broader issue of icy sidewalks and streets in Over-the-Rhine.

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) faced criticism for its decision to remain open on Thursday, despite bitterly cold temperatures and ongoing snow removal challenges. The district had already canceled school earlier in the week due to the winter storm, but many parents questioned the inconsistency in decision-making. “It’s supposed to be even colder next week. So, like, what is the policy?” asked Lisa Zielinski, a parent at Kilgour School.

The city of Cincinnati clarified that it is responsible for clearing intersections and sidewalks outside city buildings, while schools are tasked with maintaining their own property. Molly Lair, a city spokesperson, said crews have been working 12-hour shifts to address snow and ice on residential streets. However, progress has been slow due to the extreme cold.

Parents like Adrea Beatty expressed frustration with the chaotic morning commutes, as students trudged through knee-deep snow and cars slid on icy roads. Despite the challenges, Beatty emphasized the importance of returning to school after a long winter break. “I wanted my kids to go back to school,” she said. “They’re desperate to go back. They’ve been home since Dec. 20.”

As another winter storm looms, concerns about student safety and district decision-making remain unresolved. CPS has yet to provide a clear policy on cold-weather closures, leaving parents and staff to navigate the snowy chaos on their own.