So What Does Everyone Think of Tomorrow's Snow Storm? (public school, community college)

[JacksonJeep]

Why close school for just a prediction when it could possibly fizzle out? Wait at least until the morning to see what happens. Plus if this storm acts as they predict kids could easily do a half day at least and then go home. This quick resolve to just shut down is one of the many reasons why our american education system is lagging on the global stage.

[someyoungguy]

Well see in my opinion one of the lessons learned from 2011 is that closing everything (schools, government, businesses) down at the same time just dumps millions of people out onto the road at exactly the same time while the storm rages. The limited snow equipment can't do their jobs, and stuff starts piling up on the streets. Yes we could all do half a day, then be jammed in traffic from 12 - 10 pm or later. Or 4 am. To accomplish what, 2-3 hours of work?

It wasn't always this way, but like I've said that has changed recently with the crazy population influx and the lessons learned from 2011.

[mdcrim]

Originally Posted by patriot201

I am not disagreeing about schools being closed, but am just wondering where there are gravel roads for school buses to travel. I am sure there are some out there, but where? I live in the midst of mega-development, so I think I am fully unaware of "what else is out there."

Western Loudoun County has a ton of gravel roads. They turn into sheets of ice quickly. Loudoun school officials always have to take these roads into consideration when making a closure decision.

[sullyguy]

Originally Posted by JacksonJeep

Why close school for just a prediction when it could possibly fizzle out?

Unfortunately there is a LOT of "infrastructure" that starts up WELL before the kiddies attend classes - that infrastructure needs to be stopped dead very early. Since the storm warning was for 7AM onward it makes total sense to use multiple sources of expert predictions to say "Okay, it's actually coming. Have to make the decision NOW".

It IS possible to see no decision being made, then the kiddies let go early, however since THIS storm is predicted to last right through evening AND starting BEFORE noon that kind of decision is also out.

As far as Fairfax is concerned, there is an excellent page or two describing the reasoning and decision-making process on the FCPS.edu site, e.g.: Storm Decision Making

[choff5]

Personally I have been amazed this year at FCPS making the snow day calls and getting the word out the night before. They always use to wait until the morning. Not sure if it's due the type of storms we have coming through this year or the fact there's a new superintendent and new people in charge of this area. I tend to think it's the last reason myself. I'm sure it's made it much nicer for many people knowing far enough ahead.

[The Dissenter]

Well my job just officially went to a system that follows OPM's guidelines so no work for me today. Also Marymount University is closed, so I don't have to go to class tonight. Since I live 10-15 minutes from both, I could probably make it in if I had to.

[FCNova]

I think it's a good call. The chances of this one fizzling out seem pretty minimal given how low the temps are dropping.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by JacksonJeep

Why close school for just a prediction when it could possibly fizzle out? Wait at least until the morning to see what happens. Plus if this storm acts as they predict kids could easily do a half day at least and then go home. This quick resolve to just shut down is one of the many reasons why our american education system is lagging on the global stage.

Liability issues. If the schools open and the now is the real deal, there would be a load of lawsuits resorting in millions of dollars in losses, even if they close early, from all the accidents and injuries that could happen.

Oh yeah, the American education system has MUCH bigger reasons why it is lagging behind than closing for snow.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by choff5

Personally I have been amazed this year at FCPS making the snow day calls and getting the word out the night before. They always use to wait until the morning. Not sure if it's due the type of storms we have coming through this year or the fact there's a new superintendent and new people in charge of this area. I tend to think it's the last reason myself. I'm sure it's made it much nicer for many people knowing far enough ahead.

I agree on all counts.

[weezycom]

I went ahead and called in that I won't be coming to work today. Boss is from Massachusetts, has 4WD & snow tires, and lives 2 miles from work. He doesn't get that I'm a snow-wuss driver, live 15 miles away on top of a steep hill and don't have a snow-friendly vehicle. Yah, I could go in and do a half day, but Boss has a passive-aggressive way of trying to push my leaving time later and later by telling me "XYZ must be done" but working on ABC for 2-3 hours before doing his stuff on XYZ so I can finish it up and send it out. Not today!