Snow Day But No Snow

Brodheadsville, Monroe County - Most Monroe County Schools have had ten weather related closings so far this school year. About half of them were for winter weather. The others stemmed from Hurricane Sandy.

Some parents have expressed concern because for every snow day, an extra school day is tacked onto the end of the year. The last day in the Pleasant Valley School District is now June 13^th instead of the end of May.

Many parents have questioned why Monroe County schools were closed Monday even though most roads were clear by ten in the morning. They are also wondering why schools were closed Friday even though snow didn't start to fall until about five in the evening.

Eyewitness News talked to Pleasant Valley School Superintendent Doug Arnold about the concerns. He explained, "Just because one part of a school district seems to be ok, that doesn't mean that all the parts of the school district are ok."

Arnold explained that calling a snow day is an involved process and added, "I don't like to gamble with people's safety." He said he and his staff monitor the weather with a direct line from a dedicated weather service. He also has multiple staffers take test drives. He noted, "[They were] very brave this morning because I mean it was very treacherous this morning."

While roads were much better by about 11 a.m. the Superintendent said he has to make decisions early. He starts talking to other regional Superintendents at about four in the morning. They take into consideration that staff and bus drivers have to get from their homes to the schools and they don't always live nearby. Arnold said, "Parents trust us to make decisions in the best interest of students and their safety."

Parent King Beers Junior agreed. He said, "It's better for them to be safe then for people to be injured."