SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Why did Minneapolis and St. Paul stay open?



SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Why did Minneapolis and St. Paul stay open?

WHY ST. PAUL SCHOOLS STAYED OPEN
St. Paul Public Schools spokeswoman Toya Stewart Downey released the following statement on Tuesday's decision:
The decision to close the school system is no simple matter. The safety and well being of students and staff is our top priority. The expectation is that schools will remain open, if at all possible, for uninterrupted student learning on scheduled school days. Before making the decision to close school due to extreme weather, Superintendent Silva consults with a variety of experts both within and outside the district. SPPS transportation personnel travel various bus routes to confirm accessibility. The district makes it a practice to decide by 5:30 a.m. whether school will be dismissed that day.
In this instance, all sources indicated that travel to school was safe and in the best interest of our students. Many families do not have child care, family leave or the resources to provide a safe setting for their children if school is canceled. The safety and well being of students and staff is the school district's top priority.
All student absences and/or tardies related to today's weather will be considered excused.