Central Ohio students will face a fourth consecutive day without classes on January 29, as schools remain closed due to ongoing hazardous road conditions and the forecast for extreme cold. The closures impact a wide range of educational institutions, from Columbus City Schools to numerous smaller districts and private academies across the region.
Columbus City Schools to close Jan. 29, open centers for hot meal distribution
All classes and extracurricular activities are canceled for Columbus City Schools on January 29. However, recognizing the impact of prolonged closures on students, the district will open five school sites to provide take-home meals. These sites – Columbus Global/International High School, West High School, South High School, Walnut Ridge High School, and Linden McKinley High School – will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on January 29, serving students within the district.
Widespread School Disruptions Across Central Ohio
The impact extends beyond Columbus City Schools. A number of schools will operate on a two-hour delay, including Blessed Sacrament School, Career and Technology Education Centers (C-TEC) of Licking County, and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. A comprehensive list of closures includes A+ Children’s Academy through Worthington City Schools, impacting dozens of schools across multiple counties.
The closures are a direct result of an Arctic outbreak expected to grip Ohio through at least January 31. Temperatures will be well below normal, with multiple nights dropping below zero and wind chills potentially reaching minus 25 degrees. While the heavy snow has passed, these frigid conditions will ensure the snow remains a hazard for the foreseeable future.
The situation remains fluid. It is possible that closures could extend beyond January 29, depending on the severity of the continued cold and the effectiveness of road clearing efforts. School districts will likely continue to monitor conditions closely and make decisions on a day-to-day basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are closed on January 29?
A comprehensive list of closures includes A+ Children’s Academy through Worthington City Schools. Columbus City Schools are also closed, but five sites will be open for meal distribution.
What schools are operating on a delay?
Schools operating on a two-hour delay include Blessed Sacrament School, Career and Technology Education Centers (C-TEC) of Licking County, Columbus Jewish Day School, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, Granville Exempted Village Schools (no morning kindergarten), and others listed in the report.
When is the extreme cold expected to end?
An extended Arctic outbreak is expected to grip Ohio through at least January 31, with temperatures well below normal and wind chills as low as minus 25 degrees possible.
How will these extended closures impact students’ academic progress this semester?
