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The 3 things Henrico Schools consider when closing schools for weather

Posted at 6:16 PM, Jan 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-26 18:18:49-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Henrico County Public Schools joined most other school systems in Central Virginia by closing school Wednesday.

It's not just roads that are a problem. School officials are working to clear out parking lots and sidewalks at schools.

Before their announcement Tuesday, a CBS 6 crew went to some of the schools to see what kind of shape there parking lots were in.

We were told Montrose Elementary was completely buried Monday, but Tuesday, it looked pretty good.

But there’s still a lot of work to do.

When CBS 6 checked in at Highland Springs, a plow was clearing the bus loop.

When CBS 6 checked in at Highland Springs, a plow was clearing the bus loop.

When CBS 6 checked in at Highland Springs, a plow was clearing the bus loop.

"This is only the second day they've had to go in and get that work done, and with 70 sites across the county, it's a big task. We're making progress but there is still a lot of work to do," Henrico County Public Schools spokesperson Andy Jenks said.

Snowed in facilities is one reason Henrico schools are keeping kids away Wednesday.

Jenks said most school districts examine road conditions, bus stop safety, and their own facilities before making a call to close.

"There’s really not a lot of mystery to it. The question is, is it safe or not?  If it's not safe to put students, teachers, and staff on the road, then we're not going to have school," he said.

Melting snow is a good sign for school officials.

Melting snow

Melting snow in Montrose Elementary parking lot.

Henrico schools haven’t made a decision about Thursday yet, but have given the green light Friday.

The school system has also announced Friday, January 29, will be a regular, full, school day for all students and staff. For high schools, it will be a 7-period day. Monday, February 1, will also be a regular, full, school day for all students and staff.

These are changes from the previous schedule.

Henrico County has also cancelled midterm exams for high school and middle school students.

Richmond, Chesterfield, and Hanover told CBS 6 they have not yet changed their calendars because of instructional hours missed by students this week and last.

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