NYC Public Schools Reopen After Historic Blizzard

Mayor defends decision despite concerns from some officials and families

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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New York City public school students returned to in-person classes on Tuesday morning, as the city continued to dig out from Monday's historic blizzard. Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended the decision to reopen schools, citing the critical services they provide, but some officials, families, and teachers expressed concerns about the quick turnaround and the challenging commute due to uncleared roads.

Why it matters

The decision to reopen schools after a major snowstorm highlights the complex balancing act between providing essential services to students and ensuring their safety, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by the city's public school system.

The details

Mayor Mamdani announced the decision to reopen schools on Monday afternoon, despite calls from some officials, especially on Staten Island, to reconsider. A spokesperson for the mayor defended the decision, saying schools are "critical to the stability, health, and wellness of nearly 900,000 young New Yorkers," and cited the meal service, mental health support, and child care they provide. However, some families and teachers found the commute to be treacherous, with uncleared roads and slippery conditions. A petition calling for remote learning on Tuesday garnered over 170,000 signatures, and the teachers' union president, Michael Mulgrew, supported teachers who decided to call out.

  • New York City public school students returned to in-person classes on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Monday, February 23, 2026 was a rare, traditional snow day, the first of its kind in years, made possible by a waiver from New York state.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the decision to reopen schools on Tuesday.

Michael Mulgrew

The president of the United Federation of Teachers, who came out in support of teachers who decided to call out on Tuesday.

Eric Vivianni

A parent who found the commute to school on Tuesday to be challenging due to uncleared roads.

Ade Remi

A parent who said their child was happy to return to school on Tuesday.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The decision to reopen New York City public schools after a historic blizzard highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city's education system, as it balances providing essential services to students with ensuring their safety and well-being. The mixed reactions from officials, families, and teachers underscore the need for a more nuanced approach to school closures and reopenings during extreme weather events.