Bronson disgruntled by ASD decision to keep schools closed
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Anchorage School District will remain operating in remote learning mode for at least another day, according to an email from school officials on Tuesday.
Wednesday will mark the fourth distance learning day in the last week for the largest school district in the state.
Snow plows have struggled to keep up with the multiple rounds of heavy snowfall that’s blanketed the town this month. As of Tuesday morning, Anchorage has received just under 40 inches of snow, good enough for the snowiest season to date.
Mayor Dave Bronson wrote in a statement several hours after the announcement that he was “really disappointed” about the decision.
“Street maintenance crews have been working 24/7 to get the roads cleared after a week of record-breaking snowfall,” Bronson said in a press release. “We are in constant communication with ASD throughout the day and provide them with frequent updates on the snowplowing operations. Ultimately, it is their decision, and we will continue working to get residential areas cleared so schools can open again, and buses can transport students safely.”
The next storm system is expected to come Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
In its statement, ASD asserted that the municipality needed one more day to clear the neighborhoods.
“We have had several meetings with our MOA partners and they are confident that their big push over the next 36 hours will allow us to safely reopen all of our schools on Thursday morning,” ASD stated. “Again, safety is our top priority as we navigate conditions caused by this record-setting snow event. We know this has been a burden on you. Again, we thank you for your patience and understanding. This has been an unprecedented situation for us.”
On Wednesday morning, ASD announced that all after-school activities and community rentals are canceled.
You can watch the full interview with Bronson, conducted Tuesday evening, by clicking here.
Copyright 2023 KTUU. All rights reserved.
