On January 24-25, Loudoun County was hit by heavy snowfall, resulting in school closures and delays. Students experienced a full week without classes. Even after the snow stopped, icy roads and below-freezing temperatures made travel hazardous in many parts of the county. Students then faced another week of two-hour delays until conditions improved. Winter weather can leave families, students, and staff uncertain about school schedules. According to the LCPS Inclement Weather webpage, when schools are closed, the “the safety of our students and staff is the most important consideration.” But what is the actual process?
The decision to delay, close, or dismiss school early rests with Superintendent Dr. Spence, based on the recommendations of the Chief Operations Officer Kevin Lewis. Lewis gathers information from the directors of Transportation and Facilities Services, as well as staff of Safety and Security, and local law enforcement to assist in the process.
Before making a final call, Facilities, Transportation, and Safety and Security teams drive roads throughout the county to check for unsafe conditions. They also inspect the condition of the buses and school grounds, which are often affected by inclement weather.
A careful evaluation determines whether schools and administrative offices will operate on a delayed opening, full closure, or early release. Since activating the transportation system takes time, families are quickly notified division-wide, with updates also posted on the LCPS website and social media accounts, including Facebook, X, and Instagram. Local radio and TV stations additionally broadcast announcements to inform the public.
In cases of prolonged closure for weather, LCPS offers online learning opportunities as an alternative to in-person learning. These lessons are designed to be completed within a specific timeframe, helping students stay on track with their studies from home while ensuring access for all.
When winter weather makes travel unsafe, LCPS focuses on making timely decisions while prioritizing safety before anything else.
