Mid-Missouri schools might face morning decision as snowstorm moves in

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A winter storm set to start early Thursday is likely to cause travel problems right when many children would be heading to school for the day. Wednesday evening, Michelle Baumstark, spokeswoman for Columbia Public Schools announced on social media Columbia Public Schools will be out Thursday Feb. 17.

Several Mid-Missouri counties, including Boone, Howard, Randolph and Cooper, are under a winter storm warning with ice accumulation expected and another 3 to 5 inches of snow on top of that. The system is likely to start dropping ice Thursday morning before changing to snow.

Schools could close in any weather that causes travel hazards, according to Columbia Public Schools policy. Parents can expect school cancellation announcements from news outlets such as ABC 17 News by 6 a.m. Individuals can also listen to radio stations for cancellations.

If students have school, Columbia Public Schools will run only on snow routes in certain conditions, meaning buses will only use the main roads. Parents can find a list of buses and the snow routes on the Columbia Public Schools website, http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us or they can call First Student at 573-474-9473. 

In bad weather, Columbia Public Schools suggests all parents stay with their children until buses pick them up from their stop. However, if parents decide conditions are too bad for their child to be in school, Columbia Public Schools will excuse the student's absence.

The Jefferson City School District policy says administrators will consider canceling school, delaying school start time, dismissing school early, or using snow routes if conditions are determined to be too risky after roads have been tested and weather forecasts are analyzed.

JC Schools will monitor local weather reports and stay in close contact with road crews, the district says. If the storm comes in early, First Student transportation will drive roads and make a judgment related to conditions. Once that decision is made, the superintendent will be contacted, then parents will be contacted through the district's notification system, Blackboard.

Parents from both districts can stay informed by receiving calls, texts,  and emails from the school district's notification systems. People can also check the school districts website for information as well.

So far this school year, Jefferson City Schools had three snow days and Columbia Public Schools will have four.