Quick Read
- Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) are closed from January 26-29, 2026.
- The closures are due to a major snowstorm and ongoing hazardous road conditions in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
- Only emergency personnel are required to report to work during this four-day period.
- Five PGCPS schools will open for meal distribution to support students.
- Many other Maryland school districts also announced closures for Tuesday, January 27, due to the severe weather.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY (Azat TV) – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in Maryland announced widespread closures extending from Monday, January 26, through Thursday, January 29, 2026, following a major weekend snowstorm that has significantly impacted road conditions and necessitated extensive snow removal efforts across the region. The decision means all schools and administrative offices will be shut for the entire period, with operations limited to essential personnel and specific sites designated for meal distribution, highlighting the severe disruption caused by the inclement weather.
Extended Closures and Operational Details
The initial announcement on Sunday, January 25, confirmed that all PGCPS schools and offices would be closed for Monday, January 26. During this initial closure, only emergency personnel were required to report to work. Teachers were scheduled for a virtual, self-directed professional day, primarily to complete end-of-quarter grade reporting, planning, and other professional duties. Additionally, all weekend activities and facility use scheduled for Sunday were canceled.
As the winter storm’s aftermath continued to pose challenges, PGCPS officials confirmed that the closures would extend through Thursday, January 29. For these subsequent days, the directive remains consistent: all schools and offices are closed, and only emergency personnel are expected to report. This multi-day closure underscores the persistent hazardous conditions and the logistical difficulties in ensuring safe travel and operational readiness for the district’s extensive network.
Despite the widespread closures, the school district is taking steps to support student well-being. Five PGCPS schools are slated to open for meal distribution during the closure period. This initiative aims to provide essential nutritional support to students who rely on school meals, mitigating some of the immediate impacts of the closures on families.
Regional Impact and Snow Removal Efforts
The severe snowstorm has not only affected Prince George’s County but has also prompted similar actions across the wider Maryland region. Numerous other school districts announced closures for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, including Baltimore County Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. Additionally, institutions like Bowie State University and McDonogh School also confirmed closures.
Local authorities in Prince George’s County have been engaged in an intensive snow removal push since the storm hit. Reports indicated ‘a lot of people needing help on the road’ as plowing efforts commenced across the county. The extensive snowfall and icy conditions have made many roads impassable or hazardous, directly influencing the school district’s decision to extend closures to ensure the safety of students, staff, and transportation personnel.
PGCPS Decision-Making and Communication
Prince George’s County Public Schools follows a comprehensive emergency weather plan to determine school closings or delays. The school district stated that decisions to delay or close schools are not made lightly. Information is gathered from multiple sources, including the National Weather Service, various county agencies, and neighboring school districts. PGCPS transportation supervisors play a crucial role by surveying roads, school driveways, and sidewalks throughout the county to assess conditions firsthand.
Typically, the Superintendent aims to make decisions regarding early morning school closings or delayed openings prior to 5 a.m. Once a decision is made, an announcement is disseminated to 38 radio stations and eight television stations across the Washington metropolitan area, with the goal of reaching early morning broadcasts between 5 and 6 a.m.
Families and staff are encouraged to stay informed through several official PGCPS communication channels. These include the PGCPS website (www.pgcps.org), the district’s social media accounts (facebook.com/pgcps, Twitter, and Instagram: @PGCPS), PGCPS-TV (available on Comcast Channel 96 or Verizon FIOS Channel 38), local media outlets, E-alerts sent via SchoolMessenger, and the PGCPS Weather Line at 301-952-6000 (option “1”). When schools are closed all day, all evening activities are canceled, and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other private or public organizations. Similarly, a two-hour delayed opening typically results in the cancellation of all half-day programs.
The multi-day closure of Prince George’s County Public Schools reflects not only the immediate severity of the recent snowstorm but also the complex logistical challenges large public education systems face in balancing safety, operational continuity, and community support during extreme weather events.