When the decision was made on Thursday to close schools for Friday, Jan. 30, Montgomery County Public Schools also shared early guidance about the start of the following week.
“For planning purposes: At this time, MCPS also anticipates a two-hour delay for Monday, February 2,” the school system wrote. Officials noted that this could change depending on continued road clearing efforts and whether students have safe walking routes to school. MCPS said additional updates on Monday’s operational status would be shared on Sunday, February 1 after 4pm.
MCPS also outlined what is required to open schools safely. The district cited the need for bus-accessible roads, pedestrian-safe sidewalks, and school campuses with safe entrances, cleared parking lots, and sidewalks free from ice and snow. While every trace of snow and ice does not need to be removed for schools to operate, MCPS emphasized that safety considerations apply to bus riders, walkers, and student drivers alike. The school system acknowledged that not all county roads are currently clear and that many still need additional attention.
Regionally, nearby jurisdictions have taken different approaches despite facing similar conditions. Frederick County, Carroll County, and DC opened with two-hour delays on Friday. Other surrounding school systems in Maryland and Virginia, including Howard, Prince George’s, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties, remained closed. NBC4 meteorologist Amelia Draper has suggested that some school systems may remain closed into this week, as cold temperatures are limiting how much progress crews can make on snow and ice removal.
Pencil Prediction: 3 pencils ✏️✏️✏️
A three-pencil prediction means at least a delay is very likely, with roughly a 50/50 chance of a closure. On Thursday, I shared that the outlook for Friday was closer to 3.5 pencils, with a closure appearing more likely. This time, it is firmly a three-pencil call.
Roads, bus stops, sidewalks, and parking lots are expected to remain problematic well into the week. Conditions are unlikely to be ideal, but additional time in the morning would give families a better chance to be a little safer while navigating routes to bus stops and schools. I can’t imagine parking for staff would be ideal either. If I had to choose a single outcome, I would say the most likely decision remains the two-hour delay MCPS has already asked families to prepare for. A full closure would not be surprising at all, and a regular, on-time school day does not appear to be on the table. Whatever decision is ultimately made, there will be plenty of people who won’t agree with it.
Pencil Prediction rating system
