Here’s why schools usually wait until the morning of to call a snow day

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the biggest storms of the season making its way into Utah. School officials around the state are keeping an eye on possible snow day conditions.

The incoming storm is expected to leave behind 8 inches to more than a foot along the Wasatch Front.

Now, it’s fair to wonder, “If the storm is going to be this bad, why not call off classes now?”

Well, it turns out there are a few reasons why school officials tend to wait until the morning of the storm.

“We don’t make decisions based on forecasts because frankly, forecasts are never 100% correct,” said Ben Horsley, spokesperson for the Granite School District.

Horsley also told KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic Wednesday that the district doesn’t want to make the decision to keep everyone home too early. Around 60% of their students rely on school for meals and child care.

“If we can provide a safe and warm environment…that’s something that we have to take into consideration in a highly-impacted district like Granite,” Horsley said. “Most of our middle-income or higher-income families…frankly they’ll stay home and go skiing regardless of what we decide to do.”

So, while an earlier heads-up would be nice, you may have to get up early and check for that automated snow day voicemail again.

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