Story perspectives

Staten Island Schools Reopen Amid Controversial Snowstorm Fallout

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Staten Island endured almost 30 inches of snow, and 69.8% of students were absent on Tuesday, far above the citywide 36.8% average.
Critics, including Councilman Frank Morano, condemned Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to reopen schools, arguing it ignored borough transportation and snow-removal challenges.
Morano plans to propose legislation for greater borough autonomy to prevent similar situations in the future.
The Department of Education reported that 15% of teachers were absent, necessitating the hiring of substitutes.

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Story summary

Staten Island endured almost 30 inches of snow, and 69.8% of students were absent on Tuesday, far above the citywide 36.8% average.
Critics, including Councilman Frank Morano, condemned Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to reopen schools, arguing it ignored borough transportation and snow-removal challenges.
Morano plans to propose legislation for greater borough autonomy to prevent similar situations in the future.
The Department of Education reported that 15% of teachers were absent, necessitating the hiring of substitutes.