In the early hours of Friday, December 5, 2025, Heather Philp, the transportation director for the Anchorage School District, conducted a crucial evaluation of road conditions on DeArmoun Road, approaching a notoriously dangerous turn known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” As Philp descended the road around 3 a.m., she experienced a brief but concerning slide before getting her vehicle under control. Despite the nerve-wracking moment, she remarked positively on the overall road conditions, noting they were significantly improved from the previous days which had been plagued by treacherous icy patches.
Philp, accompanied by a small team, had begun their assessment at 2:30 a.m., sampling various routes through the district to collect detailed barometer readings on road safety. Their observations would inform school administrators who ultimately decide whether buses could safely transport the estimated 22,000 students waiting at nearly 8,000 bus stops across Anchorage.
This week, hazardous conditions had led to the closure of schools on two occasions. Philp referenced students’ eagerness for a snow day, saying, “I’m sure they’ll be bummed. Every kid loves a snow day.” However, Friday’s checks provided sufficient assurance for a normal school day.
The fluctuating weather presented challenges, with rising temperatures earlier in the week leading to icy road conditions due to freezing rain. Philp’s team maintained a proactive approach, conducting tests almost daily to ensure the safety of both students and drivers. Philp expressed the importance of these checks, noting how critical they were in preventing accidents—mentioning a singular incident during the week where a bus became stuck.
The constant feedback loop she has with municipal officials, who expedite road treatment on her advice, plays a vital role in her evaluations. Philp highlighted the collaborative effort needed to address dangerous conditions quickly, stating, “When I call and say we need sand somewhere, they’re on it.”
Navigating the varying conditions across different districts, Philp acknowledged the difficulty in making decisive calls on school closures. “It’s a bunch of different things, every day is a different day,” she said, reflecting on how predictions can quickly change as weather patterns shift unpredictably. Despite early forecasts suggesting schools could remain open, conditions rapidly changed, forcing last-minute decisions that often elicited mixed reactions from parents with varying views on road safety.
Philp knows first-hand the significant impact her assessments have, with parents often expressing frustration and the need for last-minute childcare when schools close. She emphasized that her evaluations aim to keep all students safe—not just those on school buses, but all children navigating the streets.
Feeling the weight of her responsibilities, Philp has been involved in the district’s transportation operations for many years, starting as a bus driver herself. She remains committed to ensuring safety at all levels, routinely walking sidewalks used by students to evaluate their safety for foot traffic.
After completing her evaluations on the road, Philp returned to the district’s bus facility, where she compiled her observations and communicated with transportation partners about any concerns or necessary actions. Philp’s meticulous record-keeping reflects both her experience and dedication. Her notes, filled with years of data gathering, guide her decisions with the clear motto: “We roll,” underscoring the district’s commitment to student safety as they navigate the seasonal challenges of winter driving in Anchorage.
