Montgomery County Public Schools announced Tuesday afternoon that all schools and offices will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29, as cleanup efforts continue following Sunday’s snow and ice storm.
MCPS said frigid temperatures across the county are significantly slowing snow and ice removal and creating unsafe conditions for travel and school operations. Officials noted that reopening schools safely requires roads, school facilities, bus stops, and walking paths to be clear enough for safe passage, a standard that has not yet been met in many areas.
The ongoing extreme cold has further complicated recovery efforts. MCPS said road treatments are less effective in these temperatures and that refreezing remains a major concern on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots even after plowing and treatment, making it difficult to safely resume normal operations.
Under CODE RED for both days, all MCPS schools and offices will be closed. Emergency personnel and facility operations and maintenance staff will report as directed. All school activities, field trips, athletic practices, events, childcare programs, and community use activities on school grounds are canceled.
MCPS also addressed grading and reporting, acknowledging that families are awaiting report cards from the end of the marking period. Report cards will be accessible seven days after schools reopen, with additional communication to be sent directly to staff regarding grading and reporting.
Emergency food distribution will continue at select locations. MCPS said cleanup has been prioritized at schools designated as meal distribution sites. On Wednesday, nine schools will be open for meal pickup between noon and 2 p.m., with families receiving two days’ worth of meals for Wednesday and Thursday. Meals are available to individuals 18 and under, as well as individuals over 18 with a disability. Families are urged to use caution when traveling to these sites.
MCPS expressed gratitude to its facilities, transportation, and operations teams, along with county partners, who continue working long hours under difficult conditions. The school system thanked families and staff for their patience as recovery efforts continue.
Looking ahead, MCPS said extreme cold is expected to persist through the remainder of the week, with the potential for additional snow over the weekend. Families are encouraged to plan for the possibility of an extended closure. Information about potential make-up days will be shared once the full impact of this week’s weather becomes clearer. MCPS said an update on Friday’s operational status will be provided by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 29.
