1/28/14 - While kids love a day off, all of the snow days and frigid weather this season is upending routines with parents who are bringing kids to work or just staying home because schools are closed again. However, local districts say safety comes first. All public schools in Livingston County are closed today, with a complete list available by clicking on the link below. A letter to parents from Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson says when making the decision to cancel school, he is keenly aware parents need as much time as possible to make arrangements for childcare and otherwise. He says the most recent cancellation was the result of dangerously low temperatures but especially the wind chill factor, with the threshold usually being minus-20 degrees below zero. While subzero temperatures may only be an inconvenience for motorists, the conditions are extremely dangerous for children walking to school or standing at bus stops. He says transportation staff spends time driving the roads very early to determine if conditions will allow buses to safely transport students and often main roads are fine but back roads and subdivisions are treacherous. The Michigan Department of Education allows six Act of God days for weather-related school closures and anything beyond that usually requires makeup days. For the current year, Howell has already used five days at all schools except Parker and Hutchings, which have had six each. (JM)
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