As cold and snowy weather hits the area each year, questions are often raised about whether or not school will be held and how the decision is made.  What factors do school district administrators consider?  Adding to the complexity of the matter is the novel concept of “eLearning” days, where instruction is delivered in a virtual format.  This saves school districts from having to extend the school year, but coordinating this system can be a challenge. 

Central A&M schools superintendent Sacha Young has her ways of making these determinations.  She says road conditions are a major factor, and she gauges this by attempting to drive the roads.

For those who walk to school, the temperature becomes even more relevant.  The limited bus access in the Central A&M school district means many students must walk. 

Young notes that extremely cold temperatures can also prevent school buses parked outside from starting.  The district’s buses, however, are typically parked in garages.

If an eLearning day is called, middle and high school students will typically use their school-provided Chromebooks.  Elementary school students are provided with packets for the current content and may also be sent home with electronics ahead of likely eLearning days. 

Find out more about the Central A&M School District at www.camraiders.com.

Sacha Young appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.