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How do schools decide when to close during inclement weather?

Posted at 10:46 PM, Mar 06, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-06 22:46:33-05

Virginia Beach, Va. - Have you ever wondered how schools decide when or if to close during inclement weather?

There's much more to this process than some realize.

Virginia Beach Schools is giving the public a firsthand look at how they determine if it's necessary to close.

The division's Chief Operations Officer Dale Holt takes us along as he rides along the streets to determine if they are safe enough for students.

"I wanted our stakeholders to see the many things that have to be taken into account before a decision is made - from road conditions to school parking lots to consultation with other school systems. We are asked often through phone calls, emails and social media why we can't make a decision earlier. Or, people will ask why we are closing school when their streets look fine. Instead of explaining things in writing, I decided that seeing is believing," said Spence.