According to Principal Tim Phares, recent winter weather has raised questions among parents about students and families about school closure decisions. Phares said those decisions are complex and handled at the district level rather than individual persons.

“The reality of it is the building principal has no say,” he said. “This is a district level decision because it doesn’t just impact one building, it impacts the district.”

Phares stated that while the community values advance notice, safety remains the primary factor. He said high school closures can be easier for families to manage, while elementary students present different challenges. Phares said the decision-making process is collaborative and involves maintenance staff, city officials, building leaders and neighboring school districts. 

“It’s a no-win decision,” he said. “You’re going to have people that think we should be in school and people that think we should be out of school.”

Phares stated that the addition of e-learning has changed how the district handles inclement weather. He said e-learning allows the district to maintain the state-required 180 days of instruction, though he emphasized that in-person learning is preferred. 

“Before COVID, five or six years ago, we did not have this,” Phares said. “But we still prefer in-person learning,” he said. “Seat time is the most important thing, and there’s never a better place for a student to learn than to be present.”