In a recent announcement, Boston Public Schools (BPS) revealed that school will be cancelled on Friday, bringing an early end to the academic year. The decision comes as a result of safety and operational concerns, according to Superintendent Mary Skipper.

Thursday will serve as the final day of school for all Boston Public Schools students, and the district is urging families and caregivers who need to retrieve students' belongings to reach out to their respective schools for assistance.

One of the main reasons for the early closure is the expected disruptions caused by the Celtics parade, which coincides with the scheduled half-day of school. Superintendent Skipper emphasized that the large crowds, road closures, detours, and increased traffic would severely impact the district's ability to provide reliable and safe transportation for approximately 23,000 students who rely on the bus system.

"The increased traffic could mean students waiting for their bus hours after dismissal, being delayed on hot buses for hours without access to food and water," warned Skipper. To ensure the well-being of the students, it was deemed prudent to cancel school for the day.

The decision to cancel school was made after consultations with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the city's Department of Transportation, and the Boston Police Department, demonstrating a collaborative effort to prioritize student safety.

Although school-based employees are not required to work on Friday, BPS central and administrative offices will remain open, with employees expected to report as usual, according to Skipper.

For families in need of childcare support, the Boston Centers for Youth and Families are recommended as a resource by BPS.

As the academic year draws to an early close, Boston Public Schools students and their families are encouraged to stay safe and enjoy the festivities surrounding the Celtics parade, while remaining mindful of the potential transportation challenges caused by the event.