In a move that has sparked controversy and concerns over student and staff safety, the Philadelphia School District chose to keep schools open on a regular schedule during a significant snowfall that caused many suburban districts and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to close or implement delayed openings. The decision has led to frustration and criticism from teachers, administrators, and parents alike.

Robin Cooper, president of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA), expressed her disappointment, stating, "This was a bad call. I think we have to re-think what school looks like, especially post-pandemic, when things like this happen." The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers' president, Jerry Jordan, also voiced his concerns, questioning the district's decision given the treacherous road conditions and the closure of other educational institutions.

Many Philadelphia parents heavily rely on schools for childcare and to ensure the safety of their children during the day. However, the decision to keep schools open disregarded the potential risks posed by slippery streets and icy conditions. This led to decreased student and teacher attendance in several Philadelphia schools, resulting in disrupted learning environments.

Reports indicate that several staff members called out, forcing other teachers to absorb additional students or leaving classrooms with inadequate supervision. Furthermore, some teachers reported freezing classroom conditions, with temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, raising questions about the well-being of both students and educators.

Despite numerous concerns raised by educators and administrators, no response was received from the district upon expressing their reservations about the decision. Monique Braxton, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia School District, stated that the safety and well-being of students and staff are of utmost importance and that the district strives to keep schools open for in-person learning to support student achievement.

Social media also played a role in highlighting the frustration among school staff. A photo circulating online depicted the plowed clean parking lot of the district headquarters at 440 N. Broad Street, with few cars present. This led to criticism from school-based staff who questioned why central office employees were allegedly permitted to work remotely while teachers and administrators had to navigate dangerous road conditions.

In response to the backlash, the district has not provided clarification on whether central office employees were allowed to work remotely or information on in-person attendance at district headquarters. However, the widespread dissatisfaction among education professionals highlights the need for reconsidering protocols and procedures for severe weather conditions, especially in a post-pandemic educational landscape.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Philadelphia School District will address the concerns raised by its staff and the larger community regarding the decision to keep schools open during hazardous weather conditions.