With dangerous cold overtaking all of Upstate New York school superintendents are taking action to protect students from extreme weather.
On Thursday, Feb. 3, Auburn Superintendent Jeffrey Pirozzolo announced that schools in the area would be closed on Friday due to the potentially life-threatening wind chill temperatures.
The decision to close schools was made with the safety of students in mind, as exposure to the freezing temperatures could result in frostbite. According to Pirozzolo, 1,500 students in the district walk to school and an additional 1,500 students wait at bus stops, putting them at risk for frostbite if they are exposed for even a few minutes.
Pirozzolo acknowledged that these decisions come with concerns about childcare, but he emphasized that the decision to close schools is ultimately the safest choice for everyone involved. “Making that decision the day before also helps our families set up daycare for the next day,” Pirozzolo added.
While Central New York may not be experiencing a traditional snowstorm this weekend, meteorologists have warned that wind chill temperatures could feel anywhere between -10 to -30 degrees. With frostbite possible on exposed skin in just a matter of minutes, Pirozzolo described the decision to close schools as a “no brainer.”
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