Midwest winters are like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get! One day, it’s a gentle snowfall; the next, it’s an ice rink, and sometimes it’s a blizzard with sideways wind. For superintendents, deciding on a two-hour delay can feel like a high-stakes weather lottery. But fear not! Here’s a guide to help you make those tough calls.
Key Factors for Decision-Making:
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Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on forecasts and consider the type of precipitation. Light snow might not be a big deal, but heavy snow or ice can be game-changers.
- Light snow: 1 point
- Heavy snow: 2 points
- Ice: 3 points
- Blizzard conditions: 4 points
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Road Safety: Evaluate road conditions and consult with local authorities. Clear roads might just need a bit of salt, but if they’re covered in ice, you might need more than luck.
- Mostly clear: 0 points
- Partially covered: 1 point
- Hazardous: 2 points
- Impassable: 3 points
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Student Transportation: Consider the safety of young drivers and the need for daylight. Early mornings can be treacherous, especially for new drivers.
- Minimal impact: 0 points
- Moderate impact: 1 point
- Significant impact: 2 points
- Major impact (e.g., young drivers needing daylight): 3 points
Creating a Scoring System: Combine these factors to come up with a total score:
- 0-3 points: No delay needed
- 4-6 points: Consider a delay
- 7-10 points: Two-hour delay recommended
Geography Multiplier:
- 0.5x: Flat terrain with minimal obstacles
- 1.0x: Typical Midwest conditions
- 1.5x: Challenging areas with hills, forests, or high winds
Multiply the initial score by the geography multiplier to get a final adjusted score.
Closing Thoughts:
Remember, even the most seasoned superintendents can get it wrong occasionally. If you ever find yourself tempted to call a two-hour delay on a beautiful spring morning, just remember: you can only do that once before you’re known as the “spring delay legend”—and not in a good way!
Disclaimer: This guide is just a helpful tool and not a definitive answer. It’s created by someone who isn’t an expert in this area but hopes to provide something useful for others. Use it at your own discretion and stay warm out there!
