Many people ask what are the primary factors that go into determining a snow day? Mr. Rick Todd, the Superintendent of Pinckney Community Schools, gave further information on snow days: “When having to make this decision, we assess both the current and forecasted conditions of the roads, which is the conditions of the roads that will include the amount of ice, slipperiness, etc. It doesn’t always depend on having a lot of snow, but the type of snow (wet snow), wind, temperature, etc.”
Mr. Todd said the first step in the procedure of calling a snow day is “I first and foremost start with collaborating with my fellow superintendent colleagues in the county (Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville and LESA) as we try to work together in gathering data, assessing the conditions, etc.”
The next step to the procedure is that “many of us will also get out to drive the roads ourselves to get a firsthand feel of the conditions and at the same time, we are communicating with the Livingston County Road Commission to get an idea of their ability to treat the roads.”
Some people may ask at what point do snow days typically get called? In response to this Mr.Todd says “we can make the decision the evening before school, which I personally like to do as much as possible as I can appreciate the stress and strain closing school can have on working parents as they have to try and find child care or make adjustments to their work schedules.”
Overall there are many factors behind snow days, like people diligently working to get the roads clear and safe to drive on, superintendents deciding whether to have a snow day or not, and making sure to have good transportation.
