For a district to call off school for snow, the storm needs to start at the right time. Normally, schools must decide to call the day with enough time to notify the staff and students as well as transportation and cafeteria staff. If the snow begins after midnight and is predicted to continue, members of transportation will meet and actually drive on the roads. They will make a recommendation to the superintendent about school closing. If the snow starts too close to the opening of school, however, often the district will not make the call.
Although the time of the snow is important, the amount of snow predicted is equally as important. Location plays a large role in determining the amount of snow that will close school for the day. For example, New England has such a great amount of snow fall, districts there have the tools to open schools despite the snow. In these regions that register large snow falls every year, it might take a blizzard to close school. Districts in areas that do not get as much snow might need to close with as little as two inches because they are not prepared for it.
Another decision schools can consider for inclement weather is calling a delayed opening. A delay can range from one hour to two depending on the school. Delays can be used if the snow is predicted to stop shortly. Some districts use delayed openings in the event the weather prediction was wrong. In these cases, the school still gets credit for the day and no time has to be made up by the students. A delayed opening also helps if the snow is accompanied by ice. A few hours of sun and salting roads in the morning can help improve driving conditions.
The largest factor for schools in calling a snow day is transportation for students and staff. Most districts use buses to transport students to school. Oftentimes, districts use an independent company for transportation; therefore, the decision might be made by the company not the school itself. If the buses cannot be dug out in time or if ice makes it impossible to get them on the road, the transportation service will contact the superintendent. Even if the company agrees to get the buses on the road, the superintendent might determine the conditions of roads are too dangerous and will call the snow day anyway.