Montgomery announces second virtual learning day due to weather, school pipe conditions
With near freezing temperatures expected to drop even lower overnight and icy roads scattered around the city, Montgomery Public Schools and Autauga County Schools announced that they will both have a virtual learning day on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
That makes five days in a row that students will not be in the classroom. Following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Tuesday was a virtual learning day in each district because of inclement weather as well.
"After carefully considering students waiting outside in frigid weather for buses and the conditions of the pipes in our older school buildings, MPS has decided that continuing virtual learning/work is the best option for everyone's safety," a statement from the district on Tuesday afternoon read.
MPS communication officer Jade Jones said there have been no reported issues with the pipes in any school buildings, but the district is taking precautions.
Montgomery was one of the first school systems in the area to cancel in-person learning for the second day in a row. Autauga County Schools followed suit shortly after.
The City of Montgomery offices will also remain closed on Wednesday. A city spokesperson said that operations will continue in the same way they did on Tuesday. All employees eligible to telework will do so, but all employees in public safety, public works and other areas where telework is not possible are required to report as scheduled.
Any city employees who cannot report due to extenuating circumstances regarding the weather will be granted the appropriate leave as necessary, and city employees should contact their supervisor if clarification is needed, the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Elmore County Schools released a statement on Monday saying that regular class schedules are expected to resume on Wednesday, but there may be bus delays. Elmore closed schools altogether on Tuesday.
"On Wednesday buses may run behind schedule due to the low temperatures, so makes sure your child wears warm clothing, and register for your child's bus Remind code for up-dates," the statement from Elmore County Schools read.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will drop lower across Alabama on Tuesday evening, refreezing any precipitation that melted during the day.
"Continue to be alert when traveling tonight and Wednesday," a social media statement read.
Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: MPS, Autauga cancel in-person class. Elmore set for normal schedule
