* The percentage of students who rely on buses: If a large portion of the student body depends on bus transportation, canceling school might be the fairest option. If most students have alternative transportation, keeping school open might be feasible.
* The availability of alternative transportation: Are there other options for students to get to school, such as carpools, walking, or public transportation? If safe and reliable alternatives exist for a significant number of students, keeping school open could be considered.
* Safety concerns: Are there safety risks associated with students traveling to school by alternative means in inclement weather or other conditions that caused the bus cancellations? If so, closing school is likely the safest option.
* The school's policies and procedures: Schools often have established protocols for handling bus cancellations, including predetermined thresholds for closing.
* The severity of the weather or other disruption: A minor delay might not warrant school closure, while a major snowstorm or other significant event clearly would.
In short, the decision requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances and the needs of the student population. There's no universally applicable rule.