Several school districts across Bucks County have announced two-hour delays for Monday, December 15, 2025, as a precautionary measure against potentially hazardous road conditions. The decision follows a weekend of snow and a sharp drop in temperatures, raising concerns about ice forming on untreated surfaces during the morning commute.
Officials from multiple districts, including Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Bristol Township, Bristol Borough, and Bucks County Technical High School, confirmed the schedule changes late Sunday evening. The coordinated announcements aim to provide families and staff with additional time to travel safely as road crews work to treat local streets.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Bucks County school districts will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday, December 15.
- The primary reason cited is the potential for icy road conditions following weekend snowfall and cold temperatures.
- Affected districts include Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Bristol Township, Bristol Borough, and Bucks County Technical High School.
- Parents should adjust for later bus pickup times and school start times. Some after-school activities, like parent-teacher conferences in Bristol Township, are canceled.
Widespread Schedule Adjustments Across the Region
Parents and students in at least five local school districts will have a later start to their week. The decisions were made after consultations with weather advisors and local officials who monitor road safety. The primary concern is not the amount of snow, but the freezing temperatures creating black ice, which can be difficult for drivers to see.
Each district has communicated specific start times for its various school levels. These delays affect thousands of students and staff members, altering morning routines for families throughout the lower Bucks County area. The announcements emphasize that safety is the top priority.
Detailed Start Times for Pennsbury School District
The Pennsbury School District issued a statement confirming it will operate on a 2-hour delay due to the "possibility of icy conditions in the morning hours." The adjusted schedule impacts all grade levels differently.
Pennsbury's New Monday Start Times
- Middle Schools: 9:35 a.m.
- Pennsbury High School: 10:15 a.m.
- Elementary Schools: 11:00 a.m.
Officials noted that school buses will arrive at their designated stops approximately two hours later than their normally scheduled time. The district also issued a specific caution for students who walk to school.
"Note to walking students: Some sidewalks and intersections may be difficult to cross. Please plan accordingly."
This warning highlights the broader safety concerns beyond just vehicle traffic, acknowledging the challenges pedestrians may face on icy pathways.
Bristol Township and Bristol Borough Announce Delays
The neighboring Bristol districts also made the call for a delayed start. The Bristol Township School District provided a detailed breakdown of its schedule and noted an impact on other school-related activities.
"After consultation with advisors and stakeholders, due to weather and road conditions, the Bristol Township School District will operate on a two-hour delayed opening on Monday, December 15," the district announced. They also confirmed that KidTime, the before-and-after-school care program, will operate on a two-hour delay.
Bristol Township Schedule Changes
The district outlined its new start times to ensure clarity for parents:
- High School: 9:13 a.m.
- Middle School: 10:00 a.m.
- Elementary School: 11:20 a.m.
Importantly, the district added that afternoon parent-teacher conferences are cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. However, dismissal will occur at the regular time.
The Bristol Borough School District provided a more concise reason for its decision, stating, "Due to early morning icy road conditions, Bristol Borough School District will be on a two hour delay on Monday."
Neshaminy and Bucks County Tech Also Affected
The delays extend to other major districts in the area. The Neshaminy School District informed its community that all of its schools will open on a two-hour delayed schedule. The announcement was straightforward, ensuring families were aware of the system-wide adjustment.
Similarly, Bucks County Technical High School, which serves students from multiple sending districts, will also delay its opening. The school's communication cited "inclement weather and possible icy road conditions" as the reason for the change.
A Focus on Prevention and Safety
The decision for a delayed opening is a common strategy used by school administrators to mitigate risks associated with winter weather. By pushing start times back by two hours, districts achieve several safety objectives:
- More Daylight: Later start times mean bus drivers and student drivers are on the road in full daylight, making it easier to spot icy patches.
- Warmer Temperatures: Temperatures often rise slightly after sunrise, which can help melt some of the ice on roadways.
- Time for Road Crews: The extra two hours give municipal and state road crews more time to salt and treat roads that may have refrozen overnight.
- Reduced Rush Hour Traffic: A later commute can sometimes mean less traffic, allowing for slower and more cautious driving.
While a delay can disrupt family schedules, district leaders consistently emphasize that student and staff safety must come first. Parents are advised to continue monitoring district communication channels for any potential updates, although a full closure has not been indicated by any of the districts at this time.