CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Creating a full two weeks of closures, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools will remain closed Thursday and Friday due to remaining ice from the winter storm.

School-based employees will not report on these days, as they are inclement weather stockpile days, but district offices will be open, said CMCSS spokesman Anthony Johnson in a press release.

“Although the rain yesterday was lighter than forecast, when mixed with 40-degree temperatures, crews were able to more easily break through the thick ice,” Johnson said. “As crews continued working last night and early this morning, the sub-freezing temperatures refroze the ice, slowing progress. You may have experienced this refreezing at your own home yesterday. While uncleared spots had more traction yesterday, the overnight freezing temperatures refroze the spaces, leaving slick, hazardous ice.”

Teachers had been scheduled for a Professional Development Day Wednesday, but that had to be shifted to remote early Wednesday morning because parking lots were too slick.

“A lack of sun, high temperatures barely above freezing, and lows in the teens tonight are not going to help very much this week,” Johnson said. “Bus drivers checked buses and ran routes today. While the majority of roads have been cleared, there are still areas that the city, county, and contractors are continuing to address. Therefore, our plan to reopen this week is neither safe nor feasible, and we wanted to give families advance notice for Friday.”

There could be improvement starting Friday afternoon, when the high will be in the mid-50s, according to the National Weather Service. However, lows will remain below freezing, so daytime thawing could freeze again overnight. Lows will rise above freezing starting Sunday night, continuing into next week.

Impact of school closures on families

Johnson said CMCSS officials understand the affect this has on many working families.

“Please know we hear the concerns from families about the impact of this extended closure. CMCSS leadership feels the pressure and is focused on reopening as soon as possible,” he said. “We share your disappointment and frustration about the impact this weather has caused. At the same time, we are deeply grateful for our crews who continue to work hard in these unprecedented circumstances. They are experienced in snow removal, but as we have shared, this is a completely different scenario.

“Please continue to show your appreciation for everyone helping to clear our campuses. We are again receiving additional support from city and county government agencies, and we appreciate having their great crews and heavy equipment supporting our efforts,” Johnson said.

With the approved state waiver this week, CMCSS had three stockpile days left. After Thursday and Friday, CMCSS will have one day left, so no make-up plan will be needed.

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