Updated with email sent by MCPS to employees at 6:32pm on Sunday evening
Montgomery County Public Schools announced that all schools will remain closed to students on Monday, February 2, 2026, while school system offices will open on time and staff are expected to report as they would on a regular non-instructional day.
MCPS said school buildings themselves are ready to reopen, but unsafe travel conditions remain the primary reason students cannot return yet. Snow and ice removal from the recent winter weather event has been slow, with Monday marking the first day temperatures rise above freezing in nine days. While crews have made progress, many neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and bus routes are still not safe.
Officials emphasized that conditions do not need to be perfect to open schools, but current conditions fall short of what is required to safely transport students. Post-plowing snow piles are creating visibility issues and blocking access to turn lanes, while several major roadways remain partially obstructed, reducing lanes and making peak travel times more dangerous.
MCPS outlined several key issues preventing schools from opening. Many neighborhood streets remain too narrow and icy for buses to travel safely, with some barely passable even for regular vehicles. Many sidewalks are still impassable, forcing walkers into busy roadways. About 20 percent of students walk to school and do not have access to bus transportation. In addition, some students with disabilities require door-to-door transportation as part of their individualized education plans, which is not possible in certain neighborhoods due to current street conditions.
The school system is asking the community to help speed progress toward reopening. Residents are encouraged to remove vehicles from streets to allow wider plow paths and better bus access, clear sidewalks in front of their homes, and report roads that still need attention through Montgomery County’s 311 service.
Bus riders are asked to review routes to bus stops and help clear snow or debris where possible to support safe boarding and exiting. Walkers are encouraged to use the additional day to plan safer routes to school if sidewalks remain blocked, keeping in mind that conditions may not be ideal for several days.
All childcare programs are permitted to operate on a regular schedule, though families are advised to confirm directly with providers. MCPS staff are reminded that while parking lots have been plowed, snow accumulation may limit available spaces. Staff are encouraged to carpool if possible, allow extra travel time, and use caution when parking. Grades for the second marking period are due by the end of the day Monday. Community use of school buildings may proceed as scheduled.
MCPS stated that its goal is to reopen schools on Tuesday, but emphasized that community assistance will be critical to making that happen safely.
Update: E-mail sent by MCPS to employees at 6:32pm on Sunday:
“Dear MCPS Employees,
This message clarifies MCPS operations for Monday, February 2, 2026. Under contract provisions and longstanding practice for similar situations, operations will proceed as follows:
CODE ORANGE – SCHOOLS CLOSED AND OFFICES OPEN On Time for Monday February 2.
- All schools are closed
- School offices and central offices are open on time
- Emergency personnel report as directed
- MCPS sponsored school and community activities are canceled including athletic practices and events
- Childcare programs may operate as scheduled, families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider
Please note: All grades will be due by the end of the first day schools re-open, likely on Tuesday, February 3.
Sincerely,
Montgomery County Public Schools”
