As temperatures drop and winter weather settles in⛄, many families have asked how we decide whether to stay open, delay, or close school. It’s a fair question, and I want to be clear about what goes into that decision. First and foremost, the safety of students and staff is the driving factor every time.
What We Consider:
On the evening before a possible weather event, I am in communication with the other Huron County superintendents. If reliable forecasts show severe weather heading toward our area, we try—when possible—to make the call the night before so families have time to plan.
That said, weather in the Thumb can be unpredictable. Many storms develop or change direction overnight, which can make early decisions difficult.
Every morning, I’m up by 4:00 a.m.⏰ to review updated weather information. If conditions look questionable, I reach out to:
Our Buildings & Grounds/Transportation Director, Mr. Chad Parrish
Thumb Area Transportation Services
The Huron County Road Commission
Neighboring superintendents in our region
These conversations help me understand local road conditions, predicted changes, and what surrounding districts are experiencing.
Several factors influence the final decision:
Current and anticipated weather
Wind chill and temperature
Snow or ice totals⛄
Road and visibility conditions
Travel conditions in surrounding districts
There is no single deciding factor; it’s the combination of all of these elements together that guides the final call.
Who Makes the Final Call?🤔
The decision to remain open, delay, or cancel school rests with me as Superintendent. I take all available information—reports, road assessments, forecasts—and make the safest decision possible for the day ahead.
When We Try to Decide:
We aim to notify families between 5:00 and 5:15 a.m. so there is enough time to adjust morning routines. There may be rare days when conditions shift unexpectedly and a later decision is unavoidable, but we will always communicate as early as we can.
What Families Can Do💡
Winters in Michigan are simply part of life, and many days with snow on the ground will still allow for safe travel. Our transportation provider employs experienced, well-trained drivers who know how to operate in winter conditions, and we trust their ability to transport students safely.
It’s also a good idea for families to have a backup childcare plan for unexpected delays or closures. Even a simple plan can reduce stress on those unpredictable mornings.
A few reminders that help keep everyone safe:
Student drivers 🚗 may want to ride the bus on the toughest-weather days.
Leaving earlier, slowing down, and adding extra distance between vehicles can make a big difference.
Please make sure vehicles are fully cleared of snow and ice—including windows, mirrors, lights, hood, and roof—to ensure safe visibility for everyone on the road.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us keep North Huron students and staff safe throughout the winter months.
Dr. Sean Wightman
Superintendent
North Huron School District
wightmans@nhuron.org
(989) 874-4100
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