“The decision to cancel school is not one I take lightly.”

Dr. Adam Hartley

The frigid temperatures of winter bring more than rosy cheeks and visible breath. Snow days become a topic of discussion during the first few months of the year, but the qualifications for a snow day and who actually makes the decision often is unclear.

“There is never a magic number as far as inches or feet of snow,” Superintendent Adam Hartley said. “Typically when you see four inches or more, the roads are hard to maintain and safety is an issue. If there is blowing snow, then it is not so much the amount but the icy conditions that we worry about.”

Hartley has the final say on the decision to call off a day of school because of to low temperatures, ice or snow. The state of Michigan allows six days to be taken off because of inclement weather. After six, the school must make up time by either being dismissed at a later time or adding days onto the end of the year.

“The ultimate decision is on me,” Hartley said. “However, there are many conversations happening between 4-5 a.m. with other county superintendents, our staff and the county. I want to make sure our drivers are not getting the word of us closing late so they are not on their way in or already at the bus garage ready to go.”

The requirements for a day of school to be canceled because of ice are subjective as well. The call is made with the help of the director of maintenance and the county road commission. The work of the salt trucks and cooperation of temperature can make icy roads a non-factor by morning.