Parents Voice Safety Concerns as CPS Students Return to School in Frigid Temps

Many parents worried about snow-covered sidewalks and extreme cold as Cincinnati schools reopen after winter storm

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:15pm

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On Thursday, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) students returned to school for the first time after a recent winter storm, causing a mixed reaction from parents. Many parents expressed concerns about the safety of students walking to school in frigid temperatures and on snow-covered sidewalks, with some choosing to keep their children home. While some parents were happy the schools reopened, others said the district should have provided more options like virtual learning or work packets when inclement weather was expected.

Why it matters

The decision to reopen schools during extreme winter weather conditions has raised questions about student safety and the district's preparedness for such events. Parents are concerned about the risks students face walking to school in the cold and on hazardous sidewalks, highlighting the need for better planning and communication from CPS to address the needs of families during severe weather.

The details

Around 7 a.m. on Thursday, the feels-like temperature in Cincinnati was between -10 and -16 degrees as students headed to school. Near James N. Gamble Montessori High School, some kids were seen walking in the road to avoid the snow-covered sidewalks. Parents expressed concerns during a 'rapid response' meeting put on by the Cincinnati Parent Empowerment Network (CPEN), with about half saying they didn't send their kids to school on Thursday. One parent, Kelly Morris, whose son gets door-to-door transportation due to disabilities, said her street was 'completely iced' and she texted the school to let them know it was unsafe. Other parents, like Ronshea Walker, were happy the schools reopened, but acknowledged that everyone's circumstances are different and the district should have provided more options.

  • On Thursday, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) students returned to school for the first time after the winter storm.
  • Around 7 a.m. Thursday, the feels-like temperature in Cincinnati was between -10 and -16 degrees.

The players

Kelly Morris

A Covedale Elementary School parent who chose to keep her son with disabilities home from school due to safety concerns.

Ronshea Walker

A parent with children at three different CPS schools who was happy the schools reopened, but acknowledged the district should have provided more options.

Cincinnati Parent Empowerment Network (CPEN)

The organization that hosted a 'rapid response' meeting where parents shared their safety concerns about students returning to school.

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS)

The school district that decided to reopen schools on Thursday despite the extreme winter weather conditions.

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What they’re saying

“This is unsafe. To me, school should've been closed for the week.”

— Kelly Morris, Covedale Elementary School parent

“I was happy that they had the option to go to school because they were actually missing their teachers, missing their friends and just missing our routine. Just showing that school is important.”

— Ronshea Walker, Parent with children at three different CPS schools

What’s next

Several parents at the CPEN meeting suggested the district should bring back virtual learning or send children home with work packets when inclement weather is expected in the future to better prepare for and address safety concerns.

The takeaway

The decision to reopen Cincinnati Public Schools during extreme winter weather has highlighted the need for better planning and communication from the district to ensure the safety of students, especially those who may face challenges getting to school safely in hazardous conditions.