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Lake Forest School District cancels classes after Winter Storm Blair; superintendent thanks custodial staff
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Lucas canceled classes for Jan. 10 because of Winter Storm Blair, praised custodial staff for snow removal across seven sites and reiterated upcoming calendar dates including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and report-card availability.
Superintendent Dr. Lucas told the Lake Forest Board of Education on Jan. 9, 2025, that the district canceled school for Jan. 10 because Winter Storm Blair left many secondary roads covered in snow and ice and high winds were expected later in the week. "Consequently, as everyone probably knows, I've canceled school for tomorrow with the additional threat of more snow coming late Friday night into Saturday," Dr. Lucas said.
The cancellation followed a district tour by Dr. Lucas and operations staff member Mr. Weller that found secondary roads still impassable in places. Dr. Lucas thanked custodial teams and operations staff for clearing parking lots and sidewalks at seven schools and district offices. He singled out Mr. Starr and custodial staff by name: "It's cold backbreaking work, and our custodians do it without complaints."
The superintendent also noted student and alumni recognitions published by the Delaware State News, saying Lake Forest High School coach and athletic director Fred Johnson was among district-affiliated "newsmakers for 2024," credited in the article with saving a student's life during a cardiac incident. He also named alumni Quaid Gannon, Joanne Kenton and Cheryl Epps as recognized individuals.
Dr. Lucas reviewed upcoming calendar items for families: the district will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20; the second marking period ends Friday, Jan. 24; schools are scheduled to be closed Jan. 27 for teacher in-service; and second-marking-period report cards will be posted to the Home Access Center on Jan. 31. "So not a lot of time to get back to work," he said.
President Earl Dempsey, addressing the board after the superintendent's report, endorsed the closure decision, saying the district-wide conditions — not just major roads — informed the choice. "I do applaud the decision this week even though we'd love to have kids in school, just not the safest thing to do," Dempsey said.
There were no public commenters signed up for the meeting. The board did not take additional action on closures during the session; Dr. Lucas presented the decision as operational and already implemented for the following school day. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the district office.
