Stamford Public Schools: Message From Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent -- Mensaje De La Dra. Tamu Lucero, Superintendente De Las SPS

Stamford CT

06 January, 2022

10:55 AM

Description

Press release from Stamford Public Schools: January 5, 2022 - 2:30pm Dear 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.  As you may be aware, we have always made decisions impacting the start of school no later than 5:45 a.m.  We checked with weather experts at 4 a.m. and at that time, there was no cause for any concern regarding normal operating procedures.  Our first notification of weather of any kind came from the Westchester Airport, reporting light precipitation, but nothing of significance.  The severity of this storm did not emerge until 6:15 a.m., as buses were already beginning to make their runs. We received initial reports of minor bus incidents (sliding or stuck, or unable to travel up hills) between 6:15 and 6:30.  At 6:30 a.m., we made the decision to delay the start of school.  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.  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.  Again, we apologize for the inconvenience today's storm caused us all, and thank you for your understanding and appreciation of the events that unfolded this morning and the decisions we made during this unusual event.  Sincerely, Dr. Tamu LuceroSuperintendent of Schools Espanol This press release was produced by Stamford Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.