Why Are Schools Closing When Learning Happens Best in Classrooms

Cincinnati: Single-digit temperatures are creeping in, and parents are feeling anxious. Last week, several schools in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky canceled classes due to the cold. Now, another wave of frigid air is moving in.

A cold front hit early Monday, and the National Weather Service warns that even colder air will follow. They’re predicting wind chills that could drop to dangerous levels on Tuesday.

So, what does this mean for kids? Will they miss more school? Each district has its own cold weather policies, and some don’t have any set rules at all. This means decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, which can leave parents confused.

Parker Brown from Milford Exempted Village Schools says not having a strict policy allows them to be flexible. Most districts look at how cold it will be in the morning when kids are waiting for buses. If wind chills are expected to hit around -15 degrees, they might consider closing.

Michael Sander, the superintendent of Franklin City Schools, has never canceled school for cold weather but did delay it recently. He thinks about the temperature and wind chill when making decisions. He wants to ensure kids can see their buses from inside their homes, so they don’t have to wait outside in the cold.

Safety is a big concern, especially for kids who walk to school. Buses can be delayed, leaving students outside longer than they should be. Administrators worry about frostbite and hypothermia on extremely cold days.

Princeton City Schools’ spokesperson, Tricia Roddy, pointed out several risks. Kids waiting at bus stops can face dangerous wind chills, and young children might not recognize the signs of cold exposure. Plus, some kids might not have proper winter gear.

Bill Rice, superintendent of Ross Local Schools, emphasizes that safety is the top priority. He consults with road crews and other superintendents to make informed decisions.

Elgin Card from Princeton City Schools shared that they consider wind chills and overall safety when deciding to close. They aim to keep kids in school, as many rely on school meals for nutrition and warmth.

Boone County School District makes decisions based on wind chill and weather alerts. If it’s too cold, they’ll cancel school, but parents can request excused absences if they feel it’s unsafe.

Ohio schools don’t have calamity days anymore, but they must meet a set number of instructional hours. If they fall short, they might have to extend the school year. Some districts are considering remote learning days instead of cancellations.

Mason City Schools tries to balance safety with the joy of snow days. They want to keep the magic of winter alive for kids while ensuring they don’t miss out on learning.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why do schools cancel in cold weather? Frostbite, hypothermia concerns.