K-12 EDUCATION

Here’s why schools usually wait until the morning of to call a snow day

Feb 21, 2023, 1:00 PM

a child pictured outside in the snow during the day...

Castle Thomas, 3, walks through the snow in Reservoir Park in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (Laura Seitz?Deseret News)

(Laura Seitz?Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the biggest storms of the season making its way into Utah. School officials around the state are keeping an eye on possible snow day conditions.

The incoming storm is expected to leave behind 8 inches to more than a foot along the Wasatch Front.

Now, it’s fair to wonder, “If the storm is going to be this bad, why not call off classes now?”

Well, it turns out there are a few reasons why school officials tend to wait until the morning of the storm.

“We don’t make decisions based on forecasts because frankly, forecasts are never 100% correct,” said Ben Horsley, spokesperson for the Granite School District.

Horsley also told KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic Wednesday that the district doesn’t want to make the decision to keep everyone home too early. Around 60% of their students rely on school for meals and child care.

“If we can provide a safe and warm environment…that’s something that we have to take into consideration in a highly-impacted district like Granite,” Horsley said. “Most of our middle-income or higher-income families…frankly they’ll stay home and go skiing regardless of what we decide to do.”

So, while an earlier heads-up would be nice, you may have to get up early and check for that automated snow day voicemail again.

Related: New traffic plan on Little Cottonwood Canyon Road to alleviate congestion

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

K-12 Education

west high school clinic...

Heather Peterson

West High School opens on-campus clinic for students

The West High School clinic is the first of its kind will provide students with mental health resources and preventative healthcare at school.

7 days ago

Image of an empty locker room. The Utah High School Activities Association is investigating how int...

Amy Donaldson

LISTEN: Utah high school sports group investigating ‘scholarships’ for international students

One student's struggles highlight lack of scrutiny, oversight and accountability on the part of private schools and prep academies.

16 days ago

An 18-year-old male has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a fight at Ben Lomond High Sch...

Eliza Pace, KSL TV

Ben Lomond High School employee arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing student

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor she met at the high school where she was employed.

16 days ago

FILE: Students work on a computerize map at Hillsdale Elementary. There is intense interest in the ...

Peter Johnston

Utah’s school choice scholarship attracts more homeschoolers

Homeschooled make up over half of the applicants for the Utah Fits All scholarship program according to data.

16 days ago

The purple Alpine School District logo is projected onto a white background...

Adam Small

First public meeting held on potential Alpine School District split

A Florida-based consulting group held its first public meeting regarding six proposals, some of which would split Alpine School District. 

16 days ago

Image of the Alpine School District's Board of Education building. The Alpine School District is lo...

Adam Small

First Alpine School District split meeting happening tonight

Tonight, Alpine School District and MGT Consulting will hold the first meeting to present potential ways to split the district up. 

17 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Here’s why schools usually wait until the morning of to call a snow day