FCPS Apologizes for Weather Problems; #CloseFCPS Trends on Twitter

Fairfax County Public Schools has issued an apology to families, after the school system decided not to close or delay schools Tuesday even though snow was forecast to hit the area Tuesday morning.

A snowfall that was heavier than predicted surprised many and meant slippery roads across the region.

#closeFCPS was a trending topic on Twitter Tuesday morning.

School Board member Ryan McElveen tweeted: “The decision to not #closeFCPS today was terrible. Clearly we screwed up. I am so sorry for all the hardship upon so many.” His message was retweeted more than 2,500 times and favorited by more than 3,500 on Twitter.

The following is the letter sent out to families on Tuesday:

Dear Parents:

We apologize for the difficulties the weather caused this morning. Please know that significant area government entities were coordinating at a very early hour. The decision was made with the best information we had very early this morning. Needless to say, the conditions were far worse than anticipated.

Weather conditions are expected to improve around midday. At this time, we are planning to dismiss schools at their normal dismissal time, however, we are continuing to closely monitor the situation and will keep parents apprised.

We are aware that people are asking us to cancel school. Students are safest at school when parents have not had a chance to make alternate plans for their child’s return home from school. However, should you wish to pick up your child early, we will accommodate you.

Again we apologize for the difficulties experienced this morning and we thank you for your patience.

Fairfax County Public Schools