12/09/2025
I really think schools should have a more structured, consistent system when it comes to delays and closings during winter weather.
West Virginia does have something called an “Inclement Weather & Emergencies Plan,” but this plan has zero actual weather related guidelines in it. It’s mostly about meeting instructional time. It doesn’t say when it’s safe to travel, when schools should delay, or when they should close. The state leaves all of those decisions to district officials.
Schools already have structured plans/guidelines they follow for discipline, emergency drills, testing, attendance, grading, technology, pretty much everything… but not for commute safety in bad weather?
Make it make sense.
Imagine if there were clear, safety-based guidelines in place such as:
If there is a 25%+ chance of 1 inch of snow within 3 hours of school starting → automatic 2-hour delay.
If there is a 40%+ chance of 3 inches (or more) during the school day → full closure.
Just a quick example of weather related guidelines. Something consistent, based on real thresholds….not just hoping for the best and last-minute decisions.
Days like yesterday when we were sent home on a 2 hour early out, right as the weather was getting bad, personally irritates me. The only time I’ve been in a bad car accident was on a day exactly like yesterday when school dismissed early in the middle of a storm.
I understand weather is unpredictable and people are quick to get mad at whoever makes decisions. Yet this is another reason why a structured system would HELP everyone…students, staff, families, and even the decision-makers. Who still would have to make decisions, but at least would have a starting system.
Of course there will always be complaints.
The “back in my day we always went to school no matter what” statement is valid, but doesn’t apply to today. Back in the day kids didn’t have iPads, Zoom, Schoology, Google Classroom… remote learning wasn’t even an option. Times have changed. Another argument some will have is “Kids need to eat. For some their only meal may be at school.” and I agree this is important, but kids would have to survive the commute FIRST to eat. Complaints don’t want solutions. Real arguments do.
I think a clear system would at the very least create consistency and less liability when something does go wrong. Right now decisions are being made based on human judgment under pressure instead of following guidelines rooted in safety metrics. Why are we not using the tools we have to make good decisions?
Do you think having a system in place like this could help?
If you’re not in WV, does your state have any actual weather-safety guidelines for delays or closings?
