How Do Schools Decide to Close for Snow?

Every winter, millions of students wake up hoping to hear those magic words: "School is closed." But have you ever wondered who makes that decision and how? The process of calling a snow day is more complex than most people realize, involving early morning phone calls, weather data analysis, and a lot of pressure to get it right.

Who Makes the Call?

In most school districts, the superintendent has the final authority to close schools. However, they rarely make this decision alone. The typical decision-making team includes the superintendent or their designated representative, the transportation director (often the most critical voice), facilities and maintenance supervisors, building principals from across the district, and sometimes local emergency management officials.

In large urban districts, there may be a formal "weather committee" that convenes during potential storm events. Smaller districts often rely on the superintendent making calls to a few key people before deciding.

When Does the Decision Get Made?

Timing is one of the trickiest parts of calling a snow day. Most superintendents aim to make the call by 5:00-5:30 AM at the latest, but the process often starts much earlier.

Some districts have moved toward making decisions the night before when forecasts clearly indicate significant weather. This approach is increasingly popular because it gives families more time to arrange childcare and reduces early-morning uncertainty.

What Factors Do They Consider?

The decision isn't just about how much snow is on the ground. Superintendents evaluate multiple factors:

Road Conditions: This is often the primary concern. Transportation directors may drive routes as early as 3:00 AM to assess conditions. They're looking at whether buses can safely navigate roads, especially secondary roads and rural areas that may not be plowed.

Timing of the Storm: A storm that's ending at 5 AM is very different from one that's just beginning. If heavy snow is expected during morning commute hours, schools are more likely to close even if current conditions seem manageable.

Temperature and Wind Chill: Even without snow, extreme cold can close schools. Most districts have policies about wind chill thresholds (often around -25°F to -35°F) because students waiting at bus stops can develop frostbite in minutes.

Parking Lots and Sidewalks: Can maintenance crews clear walkways and parking areas before staff and students arrive? If buildings aren't accessible, school may need to close.

Regional Coordination: Many districts communicate with neighboring systems. When most schools in a region close, it creates pressure on remaining districts to follow, partly because many families have children in multiple districts.

The Pressure of Getting It Right

Superintendents face enormous pressure from all sides. Close school unnecessarily, and parents scramble for childcare while students miss valuable learning time. Keep schools open during dangerous conditions, and you risk accidents and criticism.

Many superintendents describe the decision as one of the most stressful parts of their job. You'll never make everyone happy—someone will always think you called it too early, too late, or shouldn't have called it at all.

Delay vs. Closure

Sometimes the decision isn't binary. Many districts use delayed starts (typically 2 hours) as a middle ground. This gives road crews extra time to clear streets and allows temperatures to rise slightly. It's a popular option when conditions are marginal or expected to improve quickly.

Some districts also use early dismissal when storms develop during the school day, though this is generally avoided when possible because it creates logistical challenges for working parents.

How You'll Be Notified

Gone are the days of waiting for your school to scroll across the TV screen. Most districts now use multiple notification methods including automated phone calls, texts, and emails through alert systems, district website and social media updates, local TV and radio stations, and mobile apps (many districts have their own).