Montgomery County Schools Face Uncertain Reopening After Storm

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), the largest school district in Maryland, is once again at the center of a difficult winter weather decision. After a powerful storm blanketed the DMV region with five to twelve inches of snow over the weekend, MCPS announced on Thursday, January 29, that schools would be closed on Friday, January 30. But as families and staff dug out from the storm, all eyes quickly turned to the following week—and whether Monday, February 2, would bring a return to classrooms, a further closure, or something in between.

In a message sent out to parents and staff, MCPS offered early guidance: "For planning purposes: At this time, MCPS also anticipates a two-hour delay for Monday, February 2." The school system made it clear, however, that this was not set in stone. Officials stressed that the final decision would depend on how much progress crews could make in clearing roads and sidewalks, and whether students would have safe walking routes to school. The district promised to provide additional updates on Sunday, February 1, after 4 p.m., giving families as much time as possible to adjust their plans.

The safety of students and staff remains the district’s top priority, and MCPS has outlined a specific set of criteria that must be met before schools can reopen. According to the district, bus-accessible roads, pedestrian-safe sidewalks, and school campuses with safe entrances, cleared parking lots, and sidewalks free from ice and snow are all essential. MCPS emphasized that while not every last trace of snow and ice must be removed, these safety considerations apply equally to bus riders, walkers, and student drivers.

As of late Sunday, not all county roads met these standards. Many still needed additional attention from snow removal crews, a fact acknowledged by MCPS and underscored by local weather experts. NBC4 meteorologist Amelia Draper explained that cold temperatures were limiting how much progress workers could make on snow and ice removal, saying, "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." This environmental challenge has forced school leaders to weigh the risks of reopening too soon against the disruptions caused by extended closures.

Nearby jurisdictions have taken a variety of approaches in response to the same storm. On Friday, January 30, Frederick County, Carroll County, and Washington, D.C., all opened with two-hour delays, giving crews extra time to improve road conditions in the morning. Other surrounding school systems in Maryland and Virginia—including Howard, Prince George’s, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties—chose to remain closed. These differing responses highlight the complexity and local nature of such decisions, as each district must balance student safety against the need for educational continuity.

For families in Montgomery County, the uncertainty has become familiar. Local education analysts have developed a "pencil rating" system to help predict the likelihood of closures and delays. A three-pencil prediction, which is where Monday’s situation stands, means that at least a delay is very likely, with roughly a 50/50 chance of a full closure. The outlook for Friday had been even more dire, with a 3.5-pencil rating tipping the odds toward closure. As of Sunday, roads, bus stops, sidewalks, and parking lots remained problematic, and conditions were unlikely to improve dramatically overnight. "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," one local analyst noted.

For MCPS staff, the challenges extend beyond student safety. Snow piles and icy surfaces in faculty parking lots create additional hazards for employees trying to arrive at school and prepare classrooms. The accumulated snow from recent weather events takes time to melt or be removed, especially when temperatures remain below freezing. This reality impacts not just main roadways but also the smaller access roads, driveways, and parking areas that are critical for school operations.

It’s not just Montgomery County feeling the effects of the storm. According to the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service, several school districts across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region either canceled school or opted for delayed starts on Monday, February 2. Many roads remained unshoveled or covered in ice, and the persistent cold made it difficult for crews to make significant progress. The FOX LOCAL app provided families with up-to-date lists of school closings and delays, reflecting the widespread impact of the storm.

MCPS’s approach—announcing a likely two-hour delay while reserving the right to make a final call based on evolving conditions—reflects a desire to balance safety with the need to keep students learning. The district’s leadership has acknowledged that whatever decision is ultimately made, it will not satisfy everyone. Some families will prefer a full closure to maximize safety, while others will advocate for a return to normal schedules to minimize educational disruption and accommodate work commitments. The two-hour delay is an attempt to strike a middle ground.

The community response has been, as expected, mixed. As one local observer put it, "Whatever decision is ultimately made, there will be plenty of people who won’t agree with it." For parents, the uncertainty means adjusting drop-off and commute strategies on short notice. For teachers and staff, it means preparing for potential delays and uncertain commutes. And for students, it’s another day of disrupted routines and uncertainty about when normalcy will return.

Looking ahead, MCPS has pledged to continue monitoring conditions closely. The district will provide further updates as needed, and has urged families to stay informed through official channels. The experience of this storm—and the district’s response—will likely serve as a case study in how school systems can adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns while keeping student safety at the forefront.

As the snow lingers and temperatures remain low, the story of Montgomery County’s schools this winter is one of adaptation, caution, and the perennial challenge of balancing safety with the educational needs of the community. The coming days will reveal whether the district’s cautious approach paid off, but for now, families across the county are bracing for another uncertain Monday morning.