Schools are closed for students today, Thursday, Jan. 28

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I understand how challenging it has been for all of us to deal with the aftereffects of Winter Storm Jonas and I am writing to update you on our progress with preparing to reopen schools. I am sure everyone is as eager as I am to return to our normal routines. As you know, the well being of our students and staff is our number one priority. HCPSS Department of School Facilities staff members are working tirelessly to prepare facilities for a safe return to school, as quickly as possible.

Whenever we experience snowfall beyond 4–5 inches, we must clear outside every door on every school building and open at least a 3-feet wide pathway to the parking lot or sidewalk. This adds up to over 30 miles of sidewalks and pathways that our grounds and custodial crews must clear for all of the school buildings and portable classrooms in our system in order to ensure a safe journey for 10,000 students who walk to our schools.

These teams are making good progress, but some pathways and steps are still being cleared. Some large piles of snow remain and significant drifting at some schools still needs to be removed. We must also ensure that building interiors are safe before students return to school. Teams of Facilities Department staff, consultants and roofing contractors are assessing rooftop safety and clearing any overhanging snow for each of our system’s 76 school buildings and 200 portable classrooms.

All of our 453 school buses have been cleared of snow and checked to ensure they are ready to safely transport children to school. These buses travel over 30,000 miles each day to serve 40,000 students in our system.

We share parents’ concerns for the safety of students walking to and from school. Our system collaborates closely with county government offices to provide safe pathways for students and staff. We share snow removal equipment and work with the county Department of Public Works, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Columbia Association to expedite snow removal, exchange updates and address any issues.

I appreciate your patience and support as we continue to prepare schools and offices for the safe return of students and staff.

Sincerely,

Renee A. Foose, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Howard County Public Schools