Crews continue efforts to clear roads of debris and restore electricity to customers here.
WESTFIELD – Public schools as well as Westfield State University will remain closed through the remainder the week, reopening to classes on Nov. 7, following the historic snowstorm this past Saturday.
Officials said the decision to keep schools and the campus closed was made for safety reasons because of numerous limbs, trees and power lines across the city and that power to all schools and campus buildings have not yet been restored.
Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Scallion said “Some of our schools are still without power and there are too many limbs and electrical lines down that will impact the safety of transporting students to and from school.
“This decision will also give our staff and families a chance, who have been without power since Saturday’s storm to visit and seek shelter with family members out of the area,” said Scallion.
WSU spokesperson Molly Watson voiced similar concerns about the safety of staff and students.
“Power to most campus buildings was restored Monday evening but there is still much to be accomplished with downed wires and tree limbs,” Watson said.
Watson said only essential personnel should report on campus for the remainder of the week. The campus will reopen to students at noon on Sunday and resume classes Monday morning.