Cold Weather Forces Local County To Shutdown Schools
POSTED: 5:45 p.m. EST January 24, 2003
For the first time in 14 years, the bitter cold closed schools in Flagler County. The temperature dipped to 23 degrees and Flagler school administrators were concerned about kids at school bus stops and in portables.
Because of rapid growth, Flagler County has a lot of portables. At Buddy Taylor Middle, they have 17. Each one has a heating unit. They're not made to deal with sub-freezing temperatures. That, plus wind chill and shelter concerns shut schools down.
Some parents, like Reid Lewis, wondered why. "You have to scramble for some place somewhere to supervise the children and it's not easy to find."
School administrators in Flagler County understand, but they felt it was too risky for younger kids. Wind chills in the single digits were expected early at bus stops. "We just didn't feel it was safe condition to have kids before dawn waiting on school buses," says Mike Judd, Flagler County Schools.
Heating units in 60 plus portables were questionable, because they only use small heating strips, and emergency managers were concerned schools would be needed for shelter if power went out. It was the first time in 14 years the chill brought school here to a halt.
Of course to students, an extra day off is welcome. But some parents who understand the concerns still question the decision. But don't worry; all students will have to make this day up. A future teacher workday will be used. The superintendent hasn't decided what day yet, but that will be announced later.