Controversy over schools staying open during storm

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Many people were caught off guard by the power of the snow storm, including Boston Mayor Menino, whose decision to keep schools open caused some controversy.

Mayor Menino said the storm’s strength was unexpected, so he didn’t call off school.

"Forecast changed, you can't call a school off at five or six o'clock in the morning because a lot of parents have child care issues and other issues they have to deal with. I remember that when I make a snow call but there's no school, but some communities can because they don't have the issues that we have to deal with. 65,000 kids go to the Boston public schools and I think it worked out well, 65 percent of our kids showed up for school today, none of the major incidents as they got to school,” said Mayor Menino.

However, students that didn’t show up to school will not be penalized for missing class.

Mayor Menino also didn’t call a snow emergency which is causing another issue for snow plows.

The mayor said he quickly adjusted overnight as the storm worsened, calling for more equipment to combat the snow.

At the height of the storm there were about 450 pieces of equipment on the roads, but without a snow emergency, it was difficult for plows to maneuver around parked cars. The mayor is asking everyone to be patient with the plows that are clearing the roads as fast as they can.