How many snow days will Columbus students have? Here’s what it takes to cancel school
Students got an extended holiday break after the weather took a severe turn toward the frigid. But what will it take to extend the rare snow day?
Guidelines for school closures
The governor, after consulting with other state officials, has the ultimate say in state-wide closures, but local school superintendents have the final say in their district. and must report by 5:30 a.m.
Although Georgia doesn’t have specific protocols related to canceling schools, districts typically consider the following weather conditions when deciding to cancel school:
- Hazardous road conditions due to snow, ice or flooding
- Severe weather predictions, including heavy rain and strong winds
- Extremely cold temperatures that may affect bus operations
- Any weather conditions that threaten the safety of students, staff or school property
School districts in Georgia follow these general procedures when assessing weather conditions:
Monitor weather forecasts through various sources.
Consult with local law enforcement, emergency management agencies, and transportation departments.
Conduct early morning assessments of road conditions, typically between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Evaluate school facilities and parking lots for safety
Could school remain closed because of the snow’s impact on roads and school buildings?
Maybe.
“An extended stretch of wintry weather—including multiple possibilities for snow—is brewing,” said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist. He went on to say, “The track and intensity of that storm will determine if heavy snow or significant ice occurs in parts of the Southern states in the early and middle part of next week.”
If the kids luck out, and school does remain closed for snow the rest of the week, parents should know the rules for attendance.
Weather-related closures are typically decided by the school district based on safety considerations, and these would not count as unexcused absences.
Additionally, The Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law does not specifically address weather-related absences, but it does require schools to provide written summaries of consequences for unexcused absences.
Keep checking the Ledger-Enquirer for up-to-date weather news.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 11:16 AM with the headline "How many snow days will Columbus students have? Here’s what it takes to cancel school."
