Montgomery County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, after conditions across much of the county worsened Sunday evening, prompting officials to shift from a delayed opening to a full systemwide closure.
MCPS officials said earlier plans for a two-hour delay were reversed after reports of greater-than-expected snow and ice accumulation, particularly in upcounty areas. Teams driving county roads and visiting school campuses determined that conditions were unsafe for both driving and walking, even with a delay.
All schools and offices will be closed for the day. Emergency personnel are expected to report as directed. All childcare programs, community use activities, field trips, athletic practices, and events scheduled on school grounds are canceled.
Officials acknowledged that families were hoping to move past winter weather after the late January storm, but said lingering snow and ice made it impossible to safely open schools. MCPS said an update on plans for Tuesday will be provided by Monday at 4pm.
The school system also outlined steps residents can take to help crews clear roads and campuses more quickly. Families are asked to move vehicles from school parking lots and shovel sidewalks near their homes. Montgomery County officials are also asking residents to park on the even-numbered side of the street to allow snow plows to pass more easily. All public county garages are free on Sunday, and parking enforcement will not begin until after 12 noon on Monday. Residents are encouraged to contact the county’s 311 service if areas need additional clearing.
The Board of Education public hearing scheduled for Monday, February 23, will be held virtually. Additional information for those signed up to speak and for the public will be shared later Monday morning.
MCPS confirmed that the makeup day for the closure will be Friday, June 26, 2026, which will be an early release day. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, originally scheduled as an early release day, will instead be a full school day.
