Seekonk Schools Closed for Third Day

After a record snowfall due to Monday’s blizzard, town offices have been closed.

Seekonk Public Schools will remain closed on Wednesday.

“The schools’ Facilities Team is working with a contractor and their heavy equipment to gain safe access to the school buildings, as DPW rightly has their focus on getting your streets safe and clear,” Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said Tuesday. “The work began at Martin and has progressed to Seekonk High, with plans to keep heading north.  We will also be working to clear the North and Pleasant Street schools.  As the team gains access to the buildings, we must ensure that the heat works, plumbing is still in good condition, and roofs are safe.  Additionally, our Tech Services team will be working to ensure that the network bounces back from power outages.”

“Our food service and transportation vendors are preparing for a return, as soon as we can safely do so,” Kidwell continued. “We recognize that the community relies on schools as a safe, warm, educational place for students, some of whom rely on us for two meals a day.”

“Please bear in mind that our 300+ educational staff members are spread across southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, working to get their own vehicles and driveways clear, waiting for their neighborhoods to be cleared as well.  This will be a long duration cleanup, but it is our goal to provide the opportunity for your children to return to the buildings as soon as we can.  When we do return as a system, weather impacts may still prevent some families from sending their children to school, and some staff members from returning as well.  Please reach out to your child’s principal if your family is uniquely impacted.”

When asked about make-up days due to the snow, Kidwell explained the district is required by the state to provide a 180-day, in-person school year. Any decisions regarding the calendar will be made by the school committee with input from administrators and teachers’ unions.