MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Due to the ongoing power outages, Memphis-Shelby County Schools are canceling classes as well as before/after school activities for Monday, February 7th.
As of Sunday evening, a large number of school buildings are either without power or still experiencing HVAC systems and trees/debris challenges.
MLGW said Sunday afternoon in its daily press conference that 29 schools were still without power.
For parents like Monica Parker and Dana Spears, who are still without power and can't afford to miss work, they said they wish MSCS didn't wait until 7 o'clock Sunday night to make a decision.
"I was waiting on the school district to announce if they were having school because that would give me a chance to get on the phone and see who have power because most of the people who watch him don’t have power,” Parker said.
Dana Spears has been without power since Thursday too, and can't find a hotel room available. So her family has been forced to stay in a dark, cold house. She said parents needed more than hours' notice to prepare.
"It's so late how can I prepare at 9 or 10 o'clock for when I am facing the challenge of being in the dark. It's late. What am I supposed to do now?" Spears said.
MSCS said in a statement, "Our thoughts go out to these families tonight and we hope everyone is prioritizing their safety. We look forward to being back in the classroom as soon as possible."