Washington County Public Schools to Implement Two-Hour Delay Following Winter Storm

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) has announced that all schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 30, 2026, as the district prepares to welcome students and staff back following a recent winter storm. The decision was made recognizing that road and sidewalk conditions remain challenging in many areas and are expected to persist. The primary concern for WCPS is the safety of students traveling to and from school.

Families and staff are urged to exercise extra caution during their commutes, whether by school bus, personal vehicle, or on foot, as conditions will vary significantly across neighborhoods. Patience and ample travel time are encouraged for all.

For students relying on school buses, adjustments to pick-up routines are anticipated. Some bus stops may be affected by snowdrifts or have limited cleared waiting areas. In these instances, families are advised to supervise students closely and select the safest available spot near their regular stop. All students should plan to be at their bus stop at least five minutes prior to their adjusted pick-up time for the two-hour delay. Delays in bus schedules throughout the county are also possible as drivers navigate cautiously. Students are reminded to dress appropriately for cold weather, ensuring they have suitable footwear like boots or sturdy sneakers for any snowy sections of their walk.

Approximately 200 students will utilize temporary alternate bus stops where regular stops are currently inaccessible to school buses. Schools that may have one or more routes affected by alternate stops include Boonsboro Middle & High, Cascade Elementary, Eastern Elementary, Fountain Rock Elementary, Hancock Elementary, Hancock Middle-Senior High, Old Forge Elementary, Pleasant Valley Elementary, Ruth Ann Monroe Primary, Sharpsburg Elementary, Smithsburg Middle & High, Springfield Middle, Western Heights Middle, and Williamsport High. If a student’s school is not on this list, bus services will operate from their usual stops. A comprehensive list of affected roads and alternate bus stop locations is available on the WCPS website at https://wcpsmd.com/roads. The WCPS Transportation team will continue to assess road conditions over the weekend, with an updated list of any necessary alternate stops for the following week expected by Sunday evening.

Alternative bus stops are available at the WCPS website.

WCPS extends its gratitude to school custodians and the Facilities team for their diligent work in clearing snow and ice from school campuses throughout the storm and the week. Appreciation is also shared with local plow drivers and snow removal crews who have worked extended hours in cold temperatures to restore road accessibility. The district also thanks families for their flexibility and understanding during this period, emphasizing that continued cooperation will support the return to learning and the well-being of the school community.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools

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