'Won't Happen Again,' Solon Schools Apologize For Snowy Walkways

SOLON, OH — After complaints from parents and students, Solon Schools officials explained the decision to keep classes open on Tuesday despite snowy sidewalks and school entrances.

On Tuesday, the walkways around Roxbury Elementary were not cleared, forcing students to trudge through snow. Sidewalks on SOM Center Road were similarly snowy, the district admitted.

School officials apologized to students and families and vowed to never allow similar conditions on walkways while schools are open.

"We have taken immediate steps, including making adjustments to our staff charged with this important responsibility and reiterating our expectations, to ensure that a similar situation is not repeated," the district said in a letter sent to families this week.

Between Sunday and Monday night, more than a foot of snow fell in Solon and around northern Ohio. Multiple districts canceled classes on Tuesday — with some even canceling on Wednesday due to road conditions .

Solon Schools remained open and officials said "many factors" go into closing decisions. District leaders analyze road conditions, temperatures, input from city officials and the police department, and the conditions of walkways around school buildings.

Yet many families thought the conditions around Roxboro were unacceptable on Tuesday. The district agreed.

"We apologize and this will not happen again," district leaders said.