St. Paul Public Schools called off Friday’s classes after struggling to get students home through Thursday’s snowstorm.
The district let most middle and high school students out early Thursday, giving bus drivers a 30-minute head start on their first of three consecutive runs.
Even with the 1:30 dismissal, the district said one bus didn’t finish its first route till 3:18 p.m.
As nearly six inches of snow fell on the city Thursday, the school district also invited elementary school parents to pick up their children early.
About 20 percent of afternoon drivers reported they were running late, spokesman Kevin Burns said. The last buses left schools around 5 p.m. and finished their routes by 6 p.m., he said.
Friday will be the fifth day this school year — and the fifth in two weeks — lost to the cold and snow for St. Paul and Minneapolis districts.
Friday morning should bring wind chills approaching 30 below, the National Weather Service said — not quite cold enough for Twin Cities districts to call off school.
Burns said Friday’s cancellation was more about snowy roads, although the cold was a factor, too. He said the snow will make it difficult for buses, staff and others to get to school Friday morning.
“The bottom line is the safety and well-being of both staff and students,” he said.
More snow could be coming Monday and Tuesday.
All Saint Paul Public Schools and activities are canceled TOMORROW, due to the weather. For updated information on how this closing affects other activities including athletics, please visit https://t.co/bXJna41YNt, for the snow day procedures. pic.twitter.com/E9PSMjjSeH
— Saint Paul Public Schools (@SPPS_News) February 8, 2019
MPS will be closed Friday, Feb. 8. All district offices, including the Davis Education Center and the Student Placement Services Office, will be closed to the public. pic.twitter.com/14VBNmw3cU
— Minneapolis Public Schools (@MPS_News) February 7, 2019
