City Schools To Remain Closed Wednesday

We just heard from schools spokesman David Medina and he confirmed that all Hartford public schools will remain closed Wednesday.

“We have schools that are ready to go but access getting to schools is very difficult,” Medina said. Some factors include neighborhood sidewalks still blocked with snow, he said, and the challenge of buses picking up and dropping off students on streets lined with snow banks.

“We’re taking it one day at a time,” Medina said. School officials will reassess conditions tomorrow.

UPDATE: Milner, Moylan and Burns schools will provide free lunches to all Hartford public school students and their families from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Medina.

Mayor Pedro Segarra said this evening that he believes city schools will reopen Thursday.

Earlier Tuesday, Medina sent a press release stating that 12 city schools had “the potential” of opening Wednesday. But a drive around Hartford showed yet again how difficult it would be for some schools — even those with immaculately plowed parking lots — to welcome students back. I saw many pedestrians walking in the streets because of sidewalks that were not shoveled.

Patrick Raycraft took this photo Monday but it’s still an accurate portrayal of today’s conditions, minus the freezing rain.

“My feet are all wet but I have to go to work.” says Isela Valladares, 26, as she hops out of the way of puddles and traffic on Sigourney Street in Hartford. PATRICK RAYCRAFT photo.