Wake County schools closed for second straight day due to black ice concerns
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Students, staff, faculty, and parents can expect Wake County Public School campuses to be closed on Tuesday.
The message comes via an announcement from the district, "Due to the threat of black ice, Tuesday, January 27, will be a remote instruction day for all schools."
Monday, traditional calendar schools were already closed to students due to a scheduled teacher workday. However, year-round and modified students were notified of their school's campus closure in a Sunday evening message.
That announcement is being carried into Tuesday with the announcement of all of the district's more than 200 schools will be closed.
"It's good because we enjoy with her because we don't have too much time with her because we work everyday," said Wake County parent Maria Vasquez who sees the school closure as a blessing in disguise.
With the announcement of remote learning in lieu of canceling school altogether, the district will be able to preserve its banked days that were built into the 2025-2026 school calendar. This allows learning to continue, according to leaders.
"I'm glad they're able to go remote to preserve their spring break," said Wake County parent Kenneth Swann.
However, Swann also acknowledges the juggling act both parents and students have with being home due to inclement weather for another day.
"God be with you," Swann laughed. "Because I know it's going to be a challenge for them if they have to get up for work before the kids get up for school."
Meanwhile, Burrell Transit driver, Walter Bobbitt said school closures also prevent him from being able to drive students, which has an impact on him financially.
"I don't get paid for none of these days," said Bobbitt, who travels to Durham every day to drive for Durham Public Schools. "It'll probably be a two-day check and it really hurts because the bills keep coming."
Bobbitt, however, is aware of the safety risk at hand.
"I don't want to get out there and hurt myself and then pick up kids and have a problem with that getting back home tomorrow," he said.
A decision on Wednesday's learning will be made on Tuesday.
