Challenges Posed by Our Recent Weather
Posted Date: 02/25/26 (04:23 PM)
Dear BPS Community:
As Superintendent of Schools, I acknowledge the challenges posed by recent weather for our entire community. Severe conditions make it difficult to maintain consistent instruction, and I understand the added strain this places on our families, especially working parents who must make last-minute arrangements when schedules change. Student and staff safety is always our highest priority. Every decision regarding delays, early dismissals, or closures is made with careful consideration and with one goal in mind: ensuring that everyone can travel to and from school safely. We work closely with our local Department of Public Works, who provide guidance on road conditions and projected timelines for clearing streets and school parking lots. Their real-time assessments are critical to determining whether it is safe to open our buildings or keep them closed.
I would like to clarify that remote learning days do not count toward the mandatory 180-day school year requirement, according to the CT State Department of Education. We are committed to meeting state requirements for instructional hours while being mindful of the impact any changes may have on families and staff. Our plan is to ask for stakeholder input on next steps. Once a final plan is determined, we will communicate it clearly and promptly to our community.
In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools
As Superintendent of Schools, I acknowledge the challenges posed by recent weather for our entire community. Severe conditions make it difficult to maintain consistent instruction, and I understand the added strain this places on our families, especially working parents who must make last-minute arrangements when schedules change. Student and staff safety is always our highest priority. Every decision regarding delays, early dismissals, or closures is made with careful consideration and with one goal in mind: ensuring that everyone can travel to and from school safely. We work closely with our local Department of Public Works, who provide guidance on road conditions and projected timelines for clearing streets and school parking lots. Their real-time assessments are critical to determining whether it is safe to open our buildings or keep them closed.
I would like to clarify that remote learning days do not count toward the mandatory 180-day school year requirement, according to the CT State Department of Education. We are committed to meeting state requirements for instructional hours while being mindful of the impact any changes may have on families and staff. Our plan is to ask for stakeholder input on next steps. Once a final plan is determined, we will communicate it clearly and promptly to our community.
In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools