MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) -With some schools in the area having closed due to snow, the majority of schools in Washington County decided to fully open.
According to Lance Erlwein, treasurer for Belpre City Schools, the district constantly communicates with other districts in the area to decide whether to open or close.
Erlwein said with Warren and Marietta staying open, we will usually mirror what those districts do.
Christian Hudspeth, communications coordinator for Marietta City Schools, explained that since Marietta didn’t receive much snow, the district decided to remain open.
Both Erlwein and Hudspeth emphasized that safety is a priority when deciding to open or close school.
“We’ve got a detailed decision-making metrics that we go through,” Erlwein said. “We’re on the phone with multiple administrators and different people throughout the district, and we use all that input to make the decisions. If we feel that we are not going to be safe, we don’t open.”
“Honestly, every decision that we make here at the district prioritizes the safety of our students and our staff first and foremost,” Hudspeth added. “Whether that’s weather-related, facility-related, food-related, or really anything other than educating the students—that’s our main priority.”
Erlwein noted that Belpre City Schools are happy to have their students back on campus after multiple days of missed school.
See an error in our reporting? Send us an email by clicking here!
Copyright 2026 WTAP. All rights reserved.