Updated
Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund explained in a Facebook post that the decision for a two-hour delayed opening was based on ensuring the safety of students. Despite some roads appearing fine, the county has nearly 600 miles of state-maintained roads, and the delayed start allows for thorough checks and adjustments to bus routes.
Siegmund highlighted the increased visibility for drivers and the ability to move bus stops to avoid tricky spots. Additionally, the delayed start helps prevent issues faced by a neighboring school division, where buses had trouble starting in frigid temperatures after sitting over the weekend.
Siegmund acknowledged the inconvenience for facilities and transportation staff, who start their day as early as 3 a.m. to ensure safety.
Here’s the full post:
I know many people might have been pretty shocked to learn that we would have a 2 hour delay today. I know most of the roads seem fine (particularly in the Garrisonville District) but Stafford has nearly 600 miles of state maintained roads (plus all of the roads that are NOT state maintained). We need to make sure that those roads are safe and passable before transporting children.
The increased visibility that comes with starting 2 hours later means our drivers can more confidently navigate their routes. This is a crucial factor. It also allows us to move bus stops for the day so that we can avoid particularly tricky spots.
A secondary reason is illustrated by this email that families in a neighboring school division got this morning that did not call a delay. After sitting for the weekend in frigid temperatures, many buses had trouble starting this morning, which is causing kids to be waiting at bus stops in frigid temps. This is something I’m glad we avoided.
I know WE might get to sleep in when a 2 hour delay is called…but for our facilities and transportation staff, a 2 hour delay means an earlier start (3am!) to make sure our roads and buses are safe for our kids.
Original post
Stafford County Public Schools: “Due to lingering icy conditions on some secondary roads, Stafford Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, January 22. There is no morning PreK.”
Prince William County Public Schools: “Due to hazardous road conditions forecast for areas of the county between 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday morning, January 19, 2024, all Prince William County Public Schools and Offices will be closed Code Red.”
Stafford County Public Schools: “Updated: Due to adverse road conditions primarily in the Northern area of Stafford, all Stafford Schools are now closed on Jan 19. No buses, virtual instruction, or afternoon activities. At this time, we will proceed with Saturday activities as scheduled.”
Manassas Public Schools: “Due to the forecasted inclement weather, MCPS will be closed Friday, January 19, 2024. Code Blue for employees.”
Fairfax County Public Schools: “Fairfax County public schools and central offices will be closed Friday, January 19, 2024.”
King George County Public Schools: Updated:
“Due to the inclement weather and current road conditions, King George County Schools will be closed today, January 19. Code 1 for 12 month employees.”
Spotsylvania County Public Schools: Updated: “All Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed today, Friday January 19, 2024. 12-month employees Code 2 – report two hours late as safety permits. Essential personnel will report at specified times. Weather conditions will continue to be monitored. A decision on after school and evening activities and non-school events will be made by noon.’
Fredericksburg Public Schools: “Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed today, Friday, January 19, due to current weather conditions that make travel unsafe. Employees are on Code Red. Essential workers should contact their supervisor regarding report times.”
Northern Virginia Community College: “NOVA will be closed on Friday, January 19, due to inclement weather. Both in-person and virtual classes and services are canceled for the day.”
George Mason University: “Mason Alert: @GeorgeMasonU is closed today, Friday, January 19, due to inclement weather.”
Stafford County Government: “Stafford County Government offices will open on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 19, 2024, promptly starting at 10:00 a.m. The Regional Landfill and Belman Road Recycling will open on time. Stafford County Public Schools will be closed. The Voter Registrar will open on a two-hour delay. The Circuit and District Courts will open on time. Juvenile & Domestic Court will open with a two-hour delay.”
Prince William County Government: “Due to the potential impacts of weather conditions on January 19th, Prince William County Government’s operating status is OPEN. Employees have been granted the option of unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework. Essential personnel should report to work as scheduled.”
Prince William County Courts: “ALL Prince William Courts are Closed today, Friday, January 19, 2024, due to inclement weather.”
Central Rappahannock Regional Library: “Delayed Opening on Friday, January 19. All branches scheduled to open at 9:00 on January 19 will open at 11:00.
We’ll post more as they come in.
Stafford County Public Schools: “Stafford Schools 2 Hour Delay – Jan 18 Due to lingering ice on secondary roads and overnight freezing conditions, all Stafford Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Thursday, January 18. There is no morning PreK.”
We’ll post more as they come in.
Prince William County Public Schools: “All Prince William County Public Schools will open two hours late Wednesday, January 17, 2024.”
Stafford County Public Schools: “Stafford Schools Closed – Jan 17
Due to freezing temps, icy roads, all Stafford Schools closed on Wed, Jan 17. No buses, no virtual classes. Stay home, enjoy the snow day!”
Manassas City Public Schools: “MCPS will have a 2-hour delay on January 17, 2024. There will be no PreK.”
Manassas Park Public Schools: “All Manassas Park City Schools will open 2 hours late tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17th due to icy conditions.”
Fairfax County Public Schools: “Fairfax County public schools and central offices will open two hours late Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.”
King George County Public Schools: “King George County Schools will be closed Wednesday, January 17. Code 2 for 12 month employees with a report time of 10:00 AM.”
Fredericksburg City Public Schools: “FCPS will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17. Employees are on Code Red. Essential workers should contact their supervisor regarding report times.”
Spotsylvania County Public Schools: “All schools are closed Wednesday, January 17, 2024. 12-month employees Code 2 – report two hours late as safety permits. Essential personnel and food services staff will report at specified times. All school and non-school activities, day and evening, are canceled.”
We’ll post more as they come in.
Prince William County Public Schools: “PWCS will be closed Code Red on January 16, 2024, due to forecast hazardous winter weather conditions. All schools closed for students and employees. (Exception: Inclement Weather Employees)”
Stafford County Public Schools: “Stafford Schools Closed Tuesday, Jan 16. School Board meeting postponed to Jan 18.”
Manassas City Public Schools: “Manassas City Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, January 16, 2024, due to inclement weather. Code Blue for employees.”
Manassas Park Public Schools: “All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 16th, due to snowy conditions. Code RED for employees.”
Fairfax County Public Schools: “Fairfax County public schools and central offices will be closed Tuesday, January 16, 2024.”
King George County Public Schools: “Due to inclement weather, King George County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Code 2 for 12-month employees with a report time of 10:00 AM.”
Fredericksburg City Public Schools: “FCPS will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 16 due to current weather conditions and uncertain weather forecasts for the morning that include freezing rain or ice that could impact safe travel. Employees are on Code Red. Essential workers should report at 10am.”
Spotsylvania County Public Schools: “All schools and offices are closed Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Code 1 – essential personnel should report as conditions permit.”
Mary Washington University: “Due to the forecasted snow overnight, all UMW campuses (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Dahlgren) will be closed until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.”
Germanna Community College: “Due to inclement weather, all Germanna locations will be closed Tuesday, January 16, 2024.”
Northern Virignia Community College: “NOVA will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, due to inclement weather. All classes and services will be cancelled for the day.”
Manassas Park Community Center: Following our inclement weather policies, Preschool, Extended Care, and Kids Korner are CLOSED on Tuesday, 1/16. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
Central Rappahannock Regional Library: “Closed Tuesday, January 16 due to inclement weather.”
Prince William County Parks and Rec: “Tuesday, January 16, Prince William County Parks, Recreation has several changes in operations for facility openings, preschool, before & after school care, and the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk… Be sure to check out the full list for details before heading out.
Quantico Marine Corps Base: Closed, Code Red. Only essential personnel report.
Stafford County Government: Stafford County Government offices will open on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Prince William County Government: “Prince William County Government offices and facilities will have a delayed opening and will open to the public at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.The Board of County Supervisors meeting will occur tomorrow, as scheduled, at 2 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the James J. McCoart Building.”
We’ll post more as they come in.
