School Closure Policies: How Cold Is Too Cold?
As winter approaches, cities in the Greater Cincinnati area are preparing for potential snow and extremely cold temperatures. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, accompanied by city officials, has announced plans to tackle the upcoming winter weather. With a winter weather advisory in effect, the region anticipates snowfall ranging from 2 to 4 inches, starting late on December 1 and ending early on December 2.
School Closure Policies: How Cold Is Too Cold?
The question of whether schools will close due to the weather is a common concern among teachers, parents, and students. Unfortunately, there is no uniform policy across the districts in Greater Cincinnati regarding school closures related to snow or cold temperatures.
Extreme Cold Warnings
According to the National Weather Service, an extreme cold warning is issued when temperatures plummet to -20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Such conditions can pose serious risks, including hypothermia and frostbite. When these warnings are issued, school districts typically begin to discuss potential cancellations or delays.
District-Specific Policies
- Mason City Schools: Closes if the temperature or wind chill reaches between -20 and -25 degrees.
- Talawanda School District: Follows similar cold weather cancellation policies.
- Campbell County Public Schools: Implements alike measures for snow and cold.
- Cincinnati Public Schools: May close due to severe snow or cold, as indicated on their website.
District officials often rely on multiple factors when deciding to cancel or delay school. For instance, Forest Hills Superintendent Larry Hook noted that district employees assess road conditions and collaborate with local meteorological reports. In contrast, the Lakota School District’s Chief Operating Officer inspects roads and communicates with law enforcement to determine safety levels each morning.
University Policies
Higher education institutions in the area have their own protocols regarding weather emergencies. The University of Cincinnati will declare a closing if conditions make travel unsafe and will notify students by 5:30 a.m. Furthermore, Xavier University and Miami University provide general guidelines on campus closures, though they do not specify exact conditions for delays or cancellations. Northern Kentucky University and Thomas More University also have policies outlining their responses to extreme weather conditions.
As winter progresses, it is essential for families and students to stay informed about local weather updates and school policies regarding closures. Each district has its established criteria for making these decisions, and keeping abreast of announcements will help ensure safety during inclement weather. This winter, as snowfall and cold temperatures increase, it will be crucial to understand how these factors influence school operations in Greater Cincinnati.
