All Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, Thursday, September 18, in preparation of emergency conditions expected from Hurricane Isabel. All afternoon and evening student activities are canceled, as well.

All central and administrative offices also are closed today, except for essential employees designated by their offices and departments.

The closure of administrative offices on Thursday automatically closed all private day-care operations in schools and canceled transportation for special education students attending programs in private schools.

For Friday, all schools already are closed for students because of a previously scheduled professional day for teachers and other staff. A decision regarding administrative and school operations for Friday, September 19, will be made later.

The school system administration is working closely with emergency management operations of the Montgomery County Government in coordinating resources and services in response to the potential threat to health and safety expected from Hurricane Isabel.