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NYC Schools Ditch Snow Days Amid Winter Storm Warning

1/24/2026

Center

Mamdani Limits Snow Days

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that schools will not have a traditional snow day Monday because of a winter storm.
Students will attend in-person classes or shift to remote learning, with a decision by noon Sunday.
State law requiring 180 school days limits snow-day flexibility.
The storm could bring up to 12 inches of snow, and critics including Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella call for remote learning.

Right

Mamdani Faces Backlash

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, faces criticism for a pre-K public service announcement (PSA) on LinkNYC kiosks, which critics say violates state law prohibiting elected officials in government ads.
Mamdani's office says the initiative complies with regulations, noting the city has free access to kiosk time.
Separately, Mamdani's appointees face scrutiny for controversial past social media posts.
In The View interview, Mamdani highlighted affordability and tenant protections.

History

Historical Context

New York City's fiscal crisis peaked in 1975, with Mayor Abraham Beame facing a $453 million debt and implementing severe budget cuts, including in education. This crisis was exacerbated by a major snowstorm that year, which disrupted city services and led to public outcry. Today, similar tensions arise as officials navigate educational policies amid climate-related challenges, reflecting ongoing governance issues.

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Mamdani Limits Snow Days

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that schools will not have a traditional snow day Monday because of a winter storm.
Students will attend in-person classes or shift to remote learning, with a decision by noon Sunday.
State law requiring 180 school days limits snow-day flexibility.
The storm could bring up to 12 inches of snow, and critics including Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella call for remote learning.

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