Mid-Missouri school districts starting late due to cold weather

Three school districts in Mid-Missouri announced a delayed start for classes on Wednesday because of the dangerously low temperatures expected in the morning.

Officials at the Columbia Public School district said they will use their first late start schedule on Wednesday, January 7, after recently approving the changes.

The Columbia district said on Tuesday morning the weather forecast calling for sub-zero windchills prompted the school system to use their new plan for the first time ever.

ABC 17 asked CPS why they think starting classes later is the solution.

“We really want to make sure we have that extra time in the morning to be able to watch temperatures in the morning. They will be rising just a little bit throughout the day so that extra time will be important for us in the morning,” said CPS Spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark.

The CPS late start schedule is listed here.

The Jefferson City school district is leaving a pre-recorded phone message in the morning for parents, warning them to dress their children in extra layers, but did not have plans for any other adjustments.

To check for other school closings and delays in Mid-Missouri, click here.