Stamford Superintendent Apologizes For School Closure Notice

Stamford CT

05 January, 2022

7:06 PM

Description

STAMFORD, CT — After issuing a two-hour delayed opening on Wednesday morning because of freezing rain and icy road conditions, Stamford Public Schools eventually decided to close for the day around 8 a.m., but some employees had already left their home when the notice came through. On Wednesday night, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tamu Lucero apologized for the late closure notice in a letter to district families. "This morning's ice storm caused considerable disruption to all of us. A confluence of events, including the timing of this storm and the severity of the hazardous conditions, forced us to override our normal protocols in delaying and ultimately cancelling school. On behalf of the Stamford Public Schools, I apologize for any inconvenience this caused you," Lucero said. Lucero explained that the district has always made decisions regarding the start of school no later than 5:45 a.m. On Wednesday morning, she said the district checked with weather experts at 4 a.m. and at the time, "there was no cause for concern regarding normal operating procedures." By the time the storm was impacting roads around 6:15 a.m., buses were already out beginning their runs, Lucero said, adding that the district started to receive initial reports of buses sliding or getting stuck because of ice on the roads. At 6:30 a.m., the district made the decision to implement a delayed opening. "By 8 a.m., it became apparent that traffic conditions were worsening, transportation delays were growing exponentially, and we made the decision to close school," Lucero said. "We will continue to review our processes and procedures for cancellations and delays, and strive to do our best when challenging circumstances such as those witnessed today present themselves. In the past nine years, we have never experienced a scenario like this." Snow is in the forecast for Thursday night into Friday morning. For more on projected totals and the forecast, click here.