School Closings, Delays, and Early Dismissals

Schools may close for the day, open late, or dismiss early if bad weather or an emergency makes it unsafe to get to and from school. Individual schools may also close if they have heating, cooling, electrical, or other maintenance problems. Full-day closings and delayed openings are announced as close to 5:00 a.m. as possible. Early dismissals are announced as soon as the decision is made.

• Follow @BaltCitySchools on Twitter 

• Parents: Get a text message, robocall, or email (update your contact information at school or through Campus Portal!)

• Staff: Check your City Schools email, and sign up through Employee Self Service to get a robocall or text

• Check this website

• Watch local TV stations

If inclement weather requires the district to close, City Schools will first implement three traditional snow days, which means schools are closed for students and staff. 

As noted on the school calendar, these days will be made up in June. City Schools will pivot to a virtual learning day for the fourth inclement weather day and beyond.

We will provide updates on the number of inclement weather days and what steps you should take. Check our website homepage, social media regularly, and your email and robocalls for details. 

Essential personnel

When the district closes or delays opening, these employees who are considered directly responsible for the safe opening or closing of schools (including charter and contract schools) must report as scheduled. They include the following:

• Principals

• Area facility managers

• Region techs and lead techs

• Building engineers

• Pest control staff

• Contract maintenance staff

• Custodial staff

• Grounds and repair shop personnel

• Transportation administrative staff

• Facilities administrative staff

• Mechanical services staff

• School police

• Cabinet officers ("chiefs")

• Any other employee who was notified of her or his essential designation earlier in the school year

All other personnel are considered non-essential.  

School closures vs. district office closures

The decision to close, dismiss early, or delay opening may be different for schools than for the district office. Staff should check announcements and their City Schools email carefully for reporting information.

Liberal leave

When liberal leave is announced as being in effect, employees can use accumulated vacation leave, personal leave, or compensatory time, without making the normal, advance-notice request of their supervisor. Department heads may grant time without pay to an employee who has no paid leave available for use. 

In instances of prolonged emergency closures (14 or more days), City Schools has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure continuity of instruction in any future crisis requiring a long-term shift from in-person to virtual schooling, informed by our experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.