x
Breaking News
More () »

Weather, staffing shortages forced closure of some Denver-area schools Thursday

Heavy overnight snow caused numerous closings and delays across Colorado, but the weather wasn't the only issue facing some districts.

DENVER — A wintry blast of snow and frigid temperatures led to a number of school, business and government closings and delays Thursday.

All Denver Public Schools (DPS) schools, administrative offices and Emily Griffith Technical College were closed due to expected absences, continued staffing shortages, and the combination of snowy conditions and extreme cold.

Aurora Public Schools and Pickens Technical College were also closed

Other district closures Thursday included Adams County School District 14, Estes Park Schools, Brush School District and Yuma School District 1.

"Staffing shortages continue to be particularly severe on our bus routes, which can cause significant delays on the routes," DPS said. "Given the frigid temperatures, we feel this is the best decision for student safety."

In a normal year, DPS would have about 270 bus drivers. This year, they have about 186 drivers. 

"The bus issue alone would have caused significant delays in bus routes today for scholars, so that would have meant that our students would have been out in the frigid temperatures, waiting in severe cold for an extended period of time undetermined. That's certainly not something that anyone would want for our students," Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero said. 

The Denver metro area and parts of the Eastern Plains were under a Winter Weather Advisory until 3 a.m. Thursday with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected in the storm.

RELATED: Colorado road conditions: Snow leads to icy conditions

RELATED: Snow, frigid temperatures continue into Thursday

Credit: 9NEWS

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Snow in Colorado

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out