Deciding whether to implement a late start or an e-learning day is a significant decision for the school district, as it affects many people in various ways. 

When making decisions about school day operations, the district collaborates with state and local agencies and transportation services to help determine the best course of action. The safety of our students is our priority. Transportation logistics, whether students travel by bus, car, or on foot, are critical factors in these decisions. Additionally, we consider factors like snowfall timing, snow accumulation, temperatures and wind chill factors. 

Most often, the decision-making process begins with late-night and early-morning webinars (the start time is 4:30 a.m.) and specific communication from the National Weather Service, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The NWS is an invaluable resource as it provides hourly data regarding wind chills, temperatures, and snowfall.  

I began monitoring weather data for Tuesday (2/18) on Monday morning (2/17). After reviewing the data, the district chose to honor a late start rather than an e-learning day because the NWS data indicated that temperatures would rise and wind chills would improve throughout the morning. Although conditions initially warranted a delay, the improving weather made it safe for students to travel later in the day, allowing us to prioritize in-person learning over e-learning.  

Whenever the schedule is altered due to inclement weather, people often ask me the same questions: why doesn’t the district implement e-learning days and allow students to stay home on days when the weather is bad and why doesn't the district use its built-in snow days when the weather is bad? First of all, the district doesn’t have snow days built into the calendar. Students at Delano Public Schools are scheduled 173 days of instruction.  If school is canceled for weather or other emergencies, the district will facilitate e-learning days. If cancellations exceed the five e-Learning days allowed by state statute, make-up days will begin AFTER the last day of school (often in June). 

While e-learning days provide a flexible learning environment, they are not as effective as in-person learning. Learning in a classroom facilitates greater interaction with teachers and classmates, allowing for real-time feedback, deeper engagement, and collaborative learning opportunities, which can lead to improved understanding and overall learning. The district will always choose in-person teaching and learning rather than relying on electronic devices for instruction.

Some people also think that the Delano School District should do what “other” schools do; ie, when other schools are closed, Delano should also be closed. I don't know why other districts do what they do.  Each district has a calendar that fits the needs of their community, each handles e-learning differently and transportation for students is very different within every school.  The decisions we make regarding the safety of our students is based on our circumstances. 

I understand that not all parents will agree with the district’s decision. If a parent feels it’s unsafe for their child to travel to school, they always have the right to keep their child at home.