Despite localized icy conditions Wednesday morning, Prince William County Schools said they did not witness any hazardous conditions warranting a delayed start time for county schools, following Tuesday night's snow showers.
While the school division's transportation department monitored the situation, they did not report any ice on the roads.
"We regret that conditions some observed this morning seemed to warrant a decision different than that reached by the school division," Communications Director Phil Kavits said in a statement. "Fortunately, it appears that students and staff were able to make it to school safely."
On social media, residents from the Bristow area criticized the decision not to delay school, saying "roads are very icy," and "ice pretty much everywhere when I left."
One reader said he saw a red Ford Mustang that was in a ditch across from Patriot High School around 6:50 a.m.
However, Kavits said unfortunately parents' findings en-route to their local schools did not match what the PWCS surveying crew had witnessed and reporting during the very early hours of the morning.
"The process involved, as always, was intended to put safety first. In keeping with that priority, our transportation department monitored weather forecasts, which did not predict any significant weather-related problems in the county," Kavits said. " In addition, PWCS crews surveying actual early morning road conditions found primarily wet surfaces, but no significant hazards that would necessitate a safety delay."
Kavits explained it is likely that road conditions simply changed throughout the morning.
"It is clear that conditions changed rapidly in some areas. However, this could not be predicted, and it is always difficult to anticipate or monitor highly localized changes," Kavits said.
For that reason, he asks parents to take an active role in the decision of whether or not to send their child to school, basing it on the road and weather conditions they are witnessing in their neighborhoods.
"Parents and guardians are reminded that they can and should put safety first when determining whether actual conditions allow for a safe trip to school. Students who are late or absent due to weather conditions will be excused, so long as a parent or guardian provides a written explanation of their concerns," he said.
At a previous Prince William School Board meeting this month, Chairman Milt Johns also assured parents they could decide to keep their child home on a snow day at their discretion, even if school is in session.
Kavits said PWCS will continue to assess the situation and make informed decisions to the best of their ability.
"Rest assured that we will continue to assess and react to weather conditions to ensure safety at all times," he said.
By 9 a.m., right around the start time for high schools during a delay and the start time for elementary schools on a normal day, roads were mainly clear of snow and ice.
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