Transportation is always a key issue when determining whether to close or delay our schools. The ability for buses to safely and dependably transport students to and from school is determined. C-I Schools has a much higher rate of students that ride buses or carpool to school compared to metro area schools, which typically means the transportation method for our students is safer during inclement weather, particularly cold weather, than it is for metro area students.

Weather forecasts and road conditions are never completely predictable or exact but close watch is kept on these reports when there is a possibility of school closing. In the case of cold temperatures, the impact of sustained wind chills of 35-40 degrees below zero and greater become a significant factor when considering students who wait outside for buses or typically walk to school. Wind chill can cause frostbite and hypothermia making it more of a concern than actual temperature because it turns unpleasant cold weather into dangerous weather.

We try to give families the option of whether to send their child to school during severe weather due to snow or cold temperatures. Some families face hardship when school is canceled; especially related to employment or day care. Families who choose not to send their child to school may do so without any penalty. Absences due to inclement weather will be excused. Parents and guardians should report their child’s absence to the school if the decision is made to keep them home from school.

We intend to keep our schools open every school day possible during inclement weather. It is important to understand school closings that exceed the set calendar for our schools require make-up days in order to meet state requirements.

On occasion, early dismissals are unavoidable. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have prior arrangements for supervision of their child. We realize this is a difficult situation for families, so it is important for schools to be able to reach parents and guardians and designated childcare providers during daytime hours. Please be sure your child’s school has accurate emergency contact information. If the weather worsens and schools remain open, parents and guardians have the option to pick up their child early by checking them out through the school office following normal procedures.

The decision to close schools will be announced with as much notice as possible via the family notification system, district mobile app, social media, news media and the district's website. Our website is the source of the most up-to-date and accurate information. Please do not call media stations, or schools' switchboards. Although the district notifies local media stations it cannot guarantee closing notifications will be posted or announced by media stations, or that this will occur in a timely manner.

When a decision can be made the preceding night, the district will attempt to make an announcement by 10 p.m. In most cases, a decision won’t be made until the morning. The goal is to make a decision to have a delayed start or to close schools by 5:15 a.m. There will be no announcements if schools are open as scheduled.

In the instance of a two-hour delay, students should report to school exactly two hours later than the normal start time. For example, if your child’s school starts at 8:10 a.m., your child should be at school by 10:10 a.m. This is the same for the time your child should report to his/her bus stop. If the normal pick-up time is 7:15 a.m., your child should be at the bus stop by 9:15 a.m.

When school is closed, it does not necessarily mean our buildings are. Please refer to our school closings and alerts webpage for announcements of program and/or activity cancellations. No announcement will be posted if the program or activity has not been canceled.