Video: ‘Roads Were Not Ready’: Parents Challenge North Babylon Snow Decision After Historic Snowstorm

NORTH BABYLON, NY — North Babylon schools operated on a normal schedule Wednesday despite lingering snow and active morning snowfall following what officials described as one of the largest storms in decades — a decision that has drawn concern from some parents who say residential roads were not yet ready for bus transportation.

In a message sent to families Tuesday evening, Superintendent Ken Graham said all schools would open on a regular schedule.

“We have been in communication with the Town of Babylon during the storm to check in on locations that may be in need of additional shoveling or plowing,” Graham wrote. “The roads are narrower than usual, which will impact bus schedules. Please be patient as there may be some delays with the buses in the coming days. We will continue to work with the Town as they have been very responsive and collaborative."

One North Babylon parent told Patch she warned the district overnight that many neighborhood roads had not been fully plowed, that intersections were too narrow for buses to safely turn, and that snowfall was forecast during morning transportation hours.

“Superintendent Graham responded, stating, ‘For this particular storm, we felt the roads were ready for us to open.’ They were not,” the parent told Patch. “Did he drive the roads surrounding the district to actually see that? Because many parents on social media were flipping out that morning.”

Shortly after buses began their routes Wednesday, the parent said she received a video from another parent showing a bus stopped during active snowfall for several minutes. She also reported vehicles stuck on residential streets and said a fire hydrant outside William DeLuca Elementary School was buried in snow when she arrived.

Parents questioned what criteria were used to determine that roads were “ready” and whether bus routes were physically assessed prior to opening.

The Town of Babylon, which is responsible for plowing local roads, said the storm created extraordinary conditions.

“This was one of the largest and most intense snowstorms our area has experienced in decades, with historic snowfall totals and significant drifting from sustained high winds,” the town said in a statement. “During a storm of this magnitude, our first priority is clearing and maintaining safe, passable travel lanes for emergency vehicles and essential traffic.”

The town added that roads cannot immediately be restored to normal width following snowfall of that scale and that additional time is required to widen lanes and address remaining snowbanks.

“Our crews worked continuously throughout the storm and immediately transitioned into full cleanup once snowfall subsided,” the statement said. “We understand the concerns raised and are working directly with the school districts to identify and address specific problem areas.”

The district did not immediately respond to follow-up questions about specific bus-route assessments or whether any buses became stuck during morning routes.

Another round of winter weather is forecast early next week. Both the district and town said crews remain on duty around the clock as cleanup continues.

“As the snow starts to melt, we realize that there is more winter weather on the way,” Graham wrote. “We ask that everyone remain extra careful on the roads while heading into school, and plan to take some extra time.”