Winter weather in Central Ohio brings its fair share of challenges, and deciding whether to delay or cancel school is one of the most difficult responsibilities our team faces. We know these decisions impact families, staff, and our entire community, and take this responsibility very seriously.
With a district of our size, there are no absolute rules for weather-related decisions—each situation requires careful judgment based on a variety of factors. Our team begins monitoring weather conditions days before a predicted storm. On mornings with winter weather concerns, multiple staff members are on the roads as early as 3 a.m., assessing real-time conditions. There isn’t a specific amount of snowfall or a set temperature that automatically triggers a closure; instead, we use all available resources to make informed, case-by-case decisions.
We also track information provided by city, county, and regional officials to monitor snow removal and road treatment efforts. Additionally, we consult with neighboring districts to gather insights on nearby road conditions, though our final decision is made independently based on what’s best for our students and staff. We are not obligated to make the same decision regarding school closure as any other area district.
Advances in radar and weather forecasting give us additional tools to make informed decisions, but winter weather remains unpredictable. Our district covers 60 square miles, including Columbus, Hilliard, Dublin, Brown, and Norwich Townships. Each area may experience slightly different weather and road conditions, complicating our decision-making process.
Typically, decisions about school closures or delays are made by 10:00 p.m. the night before or by 5:30 a.m. the morning of a potential closure. Our transportation team needs time to prepare our bus fleet, and our staff must ensure buildings are safe and accessible.
One question we often hear is whether the district receives additional funding for staying open during inclement weather. The answer is simple: there is no financial incentive tied to either holding or canceling school.
We do consider two-hour delays when they would meaningfully improve road conditions. For example, a delay makes sense if additional time allows road crews to clear streets or dense fog to lift. However, delays also create unique traffic patterns for our buses, and often, sticking to our regular schedule is the safest and most reliable option.
Our commitment is always to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. At the same time, we know school closures can be disruptive, and we recognize that over 30% of our students rely on school for breakfast and lunch. We do not look for reasons to cancel school; instead, we exhaust every possibility to keep our doors open and provide a safe learning environment.
For families with student drivers, we encourage caution during winter weather and remind parents that school buses are always an option for those in the transportation areas. Our drivers are highly trained, and our buses are well-equipped to handle winter roads.
Winter weather is a reality in Central Ohio, and we appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we work to make the best possible decisions for our students and staff. Together, we’ll continue to prioritize safety, communication, and the well-being of our entire school community.
