[ad_1]
Parents in Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County express concern over student safety amid icy conditions as schools implement a two-hour delay for reopening.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Parents across Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County, Maryland, are raising concerns about student safety after school officials announced two-hour delays for Monday, despite icy conditions lingering on roads and sidewalks.
District of Columbia Public Schools and Prince George’s County Public Schools both opted for delayed openings, saying the move would allow time for conditions to improve while still getting students back into classrooms.
But some parents say conditions in their neighborhoods remain hazardous, particularly for students who walk to school or wait at bus stops.
“Sidewalks are pretty much nonexistent at this point,” said Angela Campbell-Phelps, a Prince George’s County parent who lives in Forestville. “Even if the sidewalk wasn’t possible, we would hope the street is open — but the street is a sheet of ice.”
Campbell-Phelps said the corner where her child typically waits for the school bus had not been cleared as of Sunday. She added that she was still undecided about sending her child to school Monday morning.
Similar conditions were visible in parts of the District, including near an elementary school and in neighborhoods around 18th and Q streets, where sidewalks remained covered in ice.
Prince George’s County Public Schools spokesperson Denise Douglas said district leaders weighed safety concerns carefully before deciding on the delay.
“We were meeting just a few hours ago and we decided that was the best course of action,” Douglas said. “We do want to get students back to school, and we also know it will take time to get there.”
Douglas acknowledged parents’ concerns about road and sidewalk conditions, calling the situation imperfect, but said officials believe schools can safely reopen.
“It’s something we are all concerned about, because it’s not a perfect situation in terms of roads being cleared,” she said. “But we do feel like on our campuses, we can go back.”
Some parents said they understand the pressure to reopen schools, noting that many students rely on schools for meals, warmth, and stability.
“School is a safe place,” Campbell-Phelps said. “Some of our students really need to be in school — for the warmth, the comfort, the feeling of community, and also because of the food situation.”
Prince George’s County school officials emphasized that attendance decisions ultimately rest with families. Students who are unable to attend because of unsafe conditions will receive excused absences, the district said.
“We’re not going to hold this against anyone,” Douglas said.
In a statement released Friday, DCPS also mentioned, “We will work with our families regarding pathways to excuse any absences.”
[ad_2]