KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With forecasters predicting two to three possible snowstorms lining up to hit southwest Michigan over the next few weeks, school officials say they are prepared to cancel classes should safety become an issue.
Kalamazoo Public Schools superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade says it’s a team effort with transportation staff from area districts analyzing forecasts and road conditions in advance of a storm.
“Once that happens I involve myself, I talk to superintendents across the region, and we make the final decision whether we are going to close school or not,” says Slade.
He says they primarily consider wind chill factors and road conditions in making their decision.
“The ability of our school buses to travel, to pickup students and take them back home, also the forecast for the next day and the ability for students to walk to school.”
Then they spread the word through every media resource they can, and as early as possible.
“We do that so people can make arrangements for child care and things like that, in a situation where weather is predicted in the evening or at night, we try and make the call as early as possible.”
West Michigan is already under a winter weather watch with snow expected to begin falling Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday.
Comments