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Fairfax County Schools Extend Two-Hour Delays Due to Lingering Snow
Schools will open late for the rest of the week as 'snowcrete' continues to hinder travel.
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will maintain a two-hour delayed start for the rest of this week due to persistent snow and ice on sidewalks and bus stops across the county. FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid cited safety concerns for students and staff as the reason for the continued delays, noting that the extended cold weather has made the frozen precipitation particularly difficult to clear.
Why it matters
The ongoing delays highlight the challenges school districts face in balancing student safety with maintaining regular schedules, especially in large counties like Fairfax that span over 400 square miles. The situation also shines a light on the shared responsibility for snow removal between state, local, and individual entities.
The details
FCPS will open two hours late on Thursday and Friday this week, with several activities canceled or delayed, including morning preschool and special education classes, field trips, and transportation for high school academy classes. Administrative offices will open on time, and afternoon preschool, adult education, and after-school programs will operate as scheduled.
- Classes resumed on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
- Schools will open two hours late on Thursday, February 5, 2026 and Friday, February 6, 2026.
The players
Michelle Reid
Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Fairfax County Public Schools
The public school system serving Fairfax County, Virginia, one of the largest school districts in the United States.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The governing body of Fairfax County, Virginia, responsible for overseeing snow removal efforts.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
The state agency responsible for maintaining roads and highways in Virginia, including in Fairfax County.
What they’re saying
“As we look to the rest of the week and the persistent presence of snow and ice on many of our sidewalks and bus stops, we feel the safest thing to do for our students and staff is to continue with our delayed start times.”
— Michelle Reid, Superintendent (ffxnow.com)
“Delaying school start times by two hours the rest of the week will make sure students are traveling to school during daylight hours, maximizing safety as they navigate sidewalks and bus stops that still have ice and snow.”
— Michelle Reid, Superintendent (ffxnow.com)
What’s next
FCPS is planning to open schools on time next week, with updates to be shared on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The takeaway
The ongoing delays in Fairfax County highlight the challenges school districts face in ensuring student safety during extreme winter weather, while also underscoring the shared responsibility for snow removal between state, local, and individual entities.
