Stewart toured the area today with local county superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin, and met with students, parents, principals, county board of education staff and concerned citizens.  

“Upon the recommendation of the West Virginia Department of Highways, West Virginia National Guard, McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and other public safety officials, we determined it was in the best interest of the entire education community to officially cancel school for the final weeks of this academic year,” said Stewart.  

According to officials, many roads in the county are still closed and some have only one lane open.  

“Most roads are simply impassable for school buses,” noted Stewart. “Our main concern is for the safety and well-being of our students and employees.”