SOMSD schools are closed again today (Weds 3/15) due to icy conditions - Late notice

Just got phone call (8:30am) that SOMSD schools are closed today (Weds 3/15) due to icy conditions.

That sound you just heard was the collective scream of hundreds of parents who just finished making arrangements to be late to work today.

Eh, you probably wouldn't have been able to fit onto the once an hour overcrowded all-local NJ Transit train to get to work anyway.

The YMCA is holding snow camp today if you do have to go in:

Schools are now closed all day but SNOW CAMP is ON!

Call our Welcome Center now to register:973.762.4145

Location: Civic House, 124 Dunnell Rd
Time:10am-7pm
Cost: $80 per day

Limited availability!

just clearing school parking lots/sidewalks this morning. Maybe it's not because of icy conditions elsewhere.

mrincredible said:

That sound you just heard was the collective scream of hundreds of parents who just finished making arrangements to be late to work today.

Right. Who needs a siren?

Perhaps this is one of the reasons the district is seeking to add a custodial supervisor in next year's budget. Someone who might be responsible for knowing how long it will take to clear school grounds. Because announcing this at 8:30 in the morning is ridiculous.

it may have had more to do with roads and sidewalks.

Millburn did the same thing. So I think it is more of a case of the roads being worse in the morning than was reasonably expected last night rather than a screwup by the district.

Many districts closed today. I haven't been out but I hear the roads are bad.

Summit also changed from a delayed opening to closed at 8:00.

OK, thanks... I gladly stand corrected.

The district where I teach is also closed for the day. We received a call around 8am.

FWIW - local roads were surprisingly bad. Trip from Prospect to Springfield Avenue to get to Rt 78 westbound was 30 minutes (should be 10). Springfield in particular is like the surface of the moon. Luckily I have a 4 wheel drive with some ground clearance; several small cars were stuck around 7:45 this morning.

Also note that a good portion of the faculty and staff commute here from other parts of the state where the roads may be in an even worse state that they are here. I believe this has been a factor in past decisions whether to be open or closed.