Anchorage Team Determines Snow Day Decisions for Students
Determining when to declare a snow day is critical for the Anchorage School District. Heather Philp, the district’s transportation director, plays a pivotal role in this process. On the morning of December 5, 2025, she assessed road conditions on the Anchorage Hillside to decide if schools should remain open.
Assessing Road Conditions
Philp and her team began their evaluation at 2:30 a.m. They monitored conditions across several roads, including O’Malley Road, DeArmoun Road, and Rabbit Creek Road. This task is essential for ensuring the safety of approximately 22,000 children who depend on school buses.
During her assessment, Philp noted that the temperature was a chilly 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Light snow had recently fallen, improving road traction. “The stopping’s good,” Philp remarked after her test drive. However, conditions had been tricky earlier in the week, leading to the closure of schools on two separate days due to ice.
Communication and Decision-Making
Philp’s morning routine includes checking in with the National Weather Service. This information guides her decisions regarding the team’s readiness for road evaluation. She usually makes calls to local officials for additional support, such as sand or salt application in icy areas.
The decision to close schools is not made lightly. Parents often express mixed feelings regarding school closures. Philp understands their frustrations but emphasizes that safety is the priority. “Every day is different,” she explained. “I can’t guarantee anything until we are physically out there looking at it.”
Challenges Faced by Philp’s Team
- Schools were closed twice during the previous week due to inclement weather.
- Philp’s evaluations must consider various road conditions across the district.
- The assessments impact student transportation across nearly 8,000 bus stops.
On Thursday, Philp’s team misjudged the weather when a forecasted light rain resulted in icy conditions. This unpredictability complicates their work, as seen by the challenges faced the previous day when a bus got stuck in icy conditions.
The Bigger Picture
Philp emphasizes that her assessments are about more than just school buses. They must account for the safety of all pedestrians. “It’s important to make sure the roads are safe for everyone,” she stressed.
Despite recent harsh weather conditions and school closures, Philp maintains that the district’s standards for closing schools have not changed significantly. Instead, shifting weather patterns have made it more challenging to predict road safety.
Every winter, the transportation director documents conditions to assist with future decision-making. Her systematic approach helps ensure that the safety of students remains at the forefront.
Conclusion
Heather Philp’s commitment to evaluating conditions for school days highlights the challenges of maintaining safety in Anchorage’s winter weather. As she navigates treacherous roads, her decisions significantly affect students and parents throughout the district.
