The School District of Philadelphia won't make a decision whether a forthcoming snowstorm warrants closing school (or not) until the morning. A snowstorm is expected to bring 5 to 9 inches of snow to Philadelphia Monday. A wintry mix of rain, first, then snow will hit the region starting at 2 a.m.
School district spokesman Fernando Gallard said the decision to close, delay or keep School District of Philadelphia schools open for the day won't come until 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. Monday morning, just hours before the school day is set to begin.
"It's usually around this time (the district makes the decision) and it's ususual to do so the night before," said Gallard. "The only time the decision comes the night before is if there is certainty that all of our partners will not be able to handle the weather."
The School District will check with various city offices, monitor the streets and measure how cleanup is going. Student safety will be factored into the equation.
So far this year, students have two school days that need to be made up due to previous snow days. There's been no decision yet as to when the days will be made up, according to Gallard. The district will consider the following options: shorten Spring Break, use professional development days as school days or add the days to the end of the school year.
