Iowa's upcoming record-breaking cold snap has sparked questions about school cancellations. While some districts have clear temperature thresholds, others rely on expert guidance and real-time conditions. Here's a breakdown of how each district approaches extreme cold weather decisions, ensuring students' safety and well-being.
Ames Community School District:
Ames doesn't set a specific temperature limit. Instead, they closely monitor NWS forecasts and make decisions based on the best interests of students, staff, and families. The district's superintendent consults with experts before any cancellations.
Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District:
Dallas Center-Grimes takes action when the wind chill reaches 30 degrees below zero. They trust the NWS as their primary source of temperature data.
Des Moines Public Schools:
Des Moines relies on expert guidance from the NWS and the district's operations team, who have weathered many Iowa winters. There's no set temperature cutoff, but they consider air temperature, wind chill, and timing.
Johnston Community School District:
Johnston may cancel classes if the NWS predicts air temperatures of 25 degrees below zero or a wind chill of 40 degrees below zero at 6 a.m. The district aims to make these decisions before the start of the school day.
Southeast Polk Community School District:
Southeast Polk's superintendent makes decisions based on NWS, DOT, and local officials' information, along with personal inspections. Decisions are typically made by 5:30 a.m. for delays and 6:30 a.m. for cancellations.
Urbandale Community School District:
Urbandale cancels schools when the NWS predicts temperatures dropping to 25 degrees below zero or a wind chill of 30 degrees below zero. They aim to inform families by 5:45 a.m. for morning situations.
Waukee Community School District:
Waukee's superintendent considers real and 'feels like' temperatures and weather advisory durations. Decisions are based on forecasts and feedback from city/county crews, typically by 5:30 a.m. for delays or cancellations.
West Des Moines Community School District:
West Des Moines takes action when the wind chill reaches 30 degrees below zero. Decisions are usually made by 5:45 a.m. for delays or cancellations.
