Rio Rancho Public Schools has canceled classes for Friday, March 17.

About 90 minutes after announcing a two-hour delay, the district said continued snow and icy conditions on roadways led to the decision to cancel.

“We recognize that conditions may improve throughout the day; however, in order to have schools, buses would need to start their routes now and the conditions are still unsafe for buses and drivers on some roads,” RRPS said in the announcement about 6:50 a.m. “In addition, we realize that many roads are just wet and safe for travel; however, our boundaries are expansive to the west and the north and many of those roads are becoming packed and icy. Safety is always our top priority.”

The day off means an early start to spring break for elementary and high school students; middle school students were already scheduled off for conferences. Break runs next week with classes resuming March 27.

 

PREVIOUS STORY: Rio Rancho Public Schools announced a two-hour delay for Friday, March 17.

The district cited snow and freezing overnight temperatures for the decision in the announcement that went out to parents. The delay is also in effect for SpaRRk Academy and Rio Rancho Cyber Academy.

Middle schools in the district already had the day scheduled off as part of their conference schedule.

Shining Stars Preschool will have no morning session with the afternoon session running 12:35-3:15 p.m. S.A.F.E. will not run its morning session, but the afternoon session will be available. Athletics practices/competitions will continue after school as scheduled.

Bus routes will run on a two-hour delay as well.