Schools Superintendent on Snow Decision: 'I Am Sorry'

After a day of second-guessing and outright criticism from some Anne Arundel County school parents, the system’s superintendent has apologized for not canceling school Tuesday.

Most nearby county school systems – including Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s schools – first delayed start times and then called off school as snow fell.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools started on time, amid dozens of car wrecks across the county, including an accident that sent two teenagers to the hospital. In a separate accident, a girl slipped and fell on a street, and was hit by a car, suffering minor injuries, according to Anne Arundel County Police.

Superintendent George Arlotto said in a statement Tuesday afternoon, in part, “I made the decision based on the information that I had available at the time. I am sorry that the day ultimately played out the way it did, and I fully understand the frustration of our parents, students, and employees.”

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Nancy McQuillin Shoemaker wrote on the Annapolis Patch Facebook page: “My thought is that not delaying school in AA County was NOT in our children’s best interest. The school spokesman said that delaying would put the high school drivers in rush hour traffic. By rush hour (actually by 6:30) in Arnold, it was apparent that school should have been cancelled. My heart goes out to the students injured trying to get to school.”

An Edgewater Patch Facebook user said she kept her child home. Kathy McIntire wrote, “They played Russian Roulette with our kids today. I took matters into my own hands and let mine stay home.”

Critics on social media disagreed with the superintendent’s decision, saying it was clear hours before bus routes started that travel would be a hazard. Many suggested the school system should have begun the day with a two-hour delay, which nearby counties did, then canceled.

An Annapolis Patch reader commented: “I was out before 5am and it was very apparent then it was not safe. And it has only gotten worse! Now it is snowing very heavy at 9am. Just makes no sense! Who is making these or lack of decisions?”

Another reader wrote: “AACPS made a bad call...when in doubt, use a 2 hour late opening to further access the safety of the situation. Weather in Maryland by nature is unpredictable at best. Fail...our kids deserve better.”

Superintendent of Schools George Arlotto released the following statement Tuesday regarding the decision to open schools on time:

“The decision to open, close, or delay the opening of schools is complex and one which I do not take lightly. This morning, after receiving data and recommendations from staff, I made the decision based on the information that I had available at the time. I am sorry that the day ultimately played out the way it did, and I fully understand the frustration of our parents, students, and employees.

Had I known what I know now, there is no question that I would have made a different decision. The obligation and responsibility we have to take prudent measures to help ensure the safety of our students and staff are paramount, and they play a huge role in everything we do.

We have had many discussions today and will continue to have discussions about ways to improve the process of weather-related decisions. No process we can construct will be perfect, but I pledge to our parents, students, and employees that we will take whatever steps we can to make sure that process is as close to perfect as possible.”

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