Why Did Tewksbury Opt To Cancel School Tuesday?

Question: A Tewksbury parent, who asked that her name not be used, wanted to know why Tewksbury Superintendent Dr. John O'Connor opted to cancel classes for the second day in a row, due to Hurricane Sandy, as opposed to going with a delayed opening as some communities did. Of particular concern to the parent was the fact that Tewksbury has now used two of its scheduled five "snow days" due to the hurricane.

Answer: Despite sunny skies throughout much of Tuesday, Dr. O'Connor was very comfortable with his decision last night to cancel classes.

"This shows that there is no science to making decisions about school cancellations," he said.

O'Connor said there were several factors that played into his decision. One was the fact that at 10 p.m. Monday night, the Dewing School was without power. He said the power was restored around mid-morning Tuesday but then went out again shortly after.

O'Connor said he also spoke with Police Chief Timothy Sheehan and was informed that road conditions in some areas of town were "perilous" because of downed trees and wires.

"Some towns went with a delayed opening but many went with cancellation," said O'Connor. "Most of the schools in our surrounding area went with cancellation."

Classes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday.