County officials cite communication gaps after snowstorm

 

...A Delayed Response

Montgomery County Public Schools requested county assistance Sunday Feb. 1 at around 2 p.m.—about a week after the storm hit—to clear sidewalks and school bus stops. Officials later said the work was not completed.

“We couldn’t make a decision to open schools if there was no enforcement of clearing sidewalks,” said Adnan Mamoom, chief of district operations for MCPS. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t have a way for students to safely walk to school.”..

https://www.mymcmedia.org/county-officials-cite-communication-gaps-after-snowstorm/

For $360,000 Superintendent Taylor makes cute snow day videos, but doesn't show up at County Council for Briefing on MCPS Snow Operations.

The Montgomery County Board of Education hired Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor in July of 2024, at a salary of $360,000.

Parents, guardians, students and staff have seen the Superintendent's cute snow day videos.  

But tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when the County Council holds a Briefing on the Winter Storm/Snow Operations during Winter Storm Fern, they won't see the Superintendent.  

Instead, Superintendent Taylor and the Board of Education will skip the Council's Briefing and send staff in their place.  

Sunday 2/1: MCPS Bethesda Depot Buses Appear to Still Have Snow Covered Roofs

 Today at the MCPS Bethesda Depot at 4 PM:  

Here's a Google Earth image showing the tops of MCPS 

school buses at the Bethesda Depot. 

Clearing the Way: Addressing MOCO’s Challenges with Student Safety

This past week, we experienced three snow days. While I was among those grateful for the unexpected break right after winter break, my appreciation quickly turned to frustration when I returned on Thursday morning. The student parking lot was still not fully cleared, and building services had to come in on their days off to handle the situation (for which they did an outstanding job and deserve recognition). At that moment, I felt a surge of emotion.

Is MOCO neglecting its responsibilities? Where is the funding designated for clearing student parking lots? It’s disheartening when the county supposed to support us seemingly fails. I felt a mix of anger and betrayal. This county prides itself on prioritizing its students, yet when we need assistance, we are often left in the cold—literally.

I recognize that funding challenges are intricate, and I don’t have all the details. Nevertheless, I believe the county must improve its communication with students and parents.

That morning, I thought, “Why was the parking lot still being actively plowed when I arrived, and why did they allow people to drive even though it was still hazardous?” It was alarming that one of my friends lost control of their vehicle while attempting to park due to the ice...

Clearing the Way: Addressing MOCO’s Challenges with Student Safety – The Current

@mcps driver Alfonso Merma says his bus was stopped when it slid off Tulip Lane in Potomac. Teenage special needs student and an aide on board.

@mcps driver Alfonso Merma says his bus was stopped when it slid off Tulip Lane in Potomac. Teenage special needs student and an aide on board. Nobody hurt. Merma calls it "a miracle" bus headed to Rockville HS didn't flip over. He's been a school bus driver for 4 years. pic.twitter.com/ERmWkqExWX

— Bob Barnard (@barnardfox5dc) January 9, 2018

MoCo Fire & Rescue: MCPS Bus Appears to Have Slipped on Icy Street this AM

Twitter Picture Appears to Show Pipe Burst at Blair High School

Ummmmmm it appears we might have frozen water issue at @MCPS Montgomery Blair. #GIANTICICLES pic.twitter.com/M2CepEFwrT
— Kenneth (@terp11) February 16, 2015

With thanks to Kenneth @terps11 for permission to post his picture. 

MCPS Schools closed Tomorrow, Thur Feb 13th

EMERGENCY MESSAGE: 2/12/2014 at 2:54 PM

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed tomorrow (2/13/14) due to emergency weather conditions. All school and community activities in school buildings also are canceled. A decision about whether to open administrative offices will be made at a later time.

MENSAJES DE EMERGENCIA: 2/12/2014, 2:54 PM

Todas las escuelas de Montgomery County Public Schools permanecerán cerradas mañana (2/13/14) debido a las condiciones de emergencia por tiempo inclemente. Todas las actividades escolares y comunitarias en los edificios escolares también quedan canceladas. Una decisión acerca de si las oficinas administrativas estarán abiertas será tomada más adelante.

A map of ​how much snow it takes to cancel school across the U.S.

How much snow does it take to cancel school in your area? This map takes a look at just how much snow around the country it takes to have a snowday.

http://io9.com/a-map-of-how-much-snow-it-takes-to-cancel-school-acros-1512324082

School on Tuesday Dec. 22?

Kids, do your homework.  Maybe its the Obama factor, and the school system doesn't want to look foolish after last winter's comments from the White House about school closings for a little bit of snow.  Or maybe because the kids in Rockville who would sing "No school tomorrow" and wear their PJs inside out to keep school closed have graduated. 

Despite the record snowfall in Montgomery County this weekend, looks like schools will open on Tuesday.  No official word from Carver yet, but here is what I see.   

Snowplows are out in MCPS school parking lots, in anticipation of kids returning to school on Tuesday after the BIG SNOW.   Snow plows were at Fallsmead ES at 10:30 am today (Dec. 21) and at Wootton HS a few minutes ago (12:30  p.m.)

I am impressed.  Remember all those years when MCPS just waited for the snow to melt?   Not this time.