CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – Campbell River schools remained open on Friday despite flurries and some slippery areas of town.
The decision to keep schools open was met with backlash from residents.
School District 72 superintendent Jeremy Morrow tweeted on Friday morning that schools will remain open, and advised students to be careful when making their way around town.
Residents replied to Morrow’s decision, citing that some roads were slippery and unplowed due to the overnight snow on Thursday. Friday morning saw snow still falling in the region.
Despite the negative feedback, schools remained open.
Superintendent Morrow released a statement explaining the factors that went into the decision to keep schools open.
He wrote that there are three major factors the district takes into consideration: potential risks to student travel, the weather forecast, and possible strain on families.
According to the statement, Morrow consults city crews and the district’s head bus driver. They help determine if buses can be deployed in a timely manner, main roads are clear, and if public transit is operating.
Morrow wrote that the district keeps a close eye on the weather forecast, and the district tries its best to make a decision that reflects the forecast as best as possible.
Morrow also wrote that the district understands that some families may not be able to afford to stay home with younger students on days when schools are closed.
“As the possibility for more snow remains in the forecast, I appreciate everyone’s understanding that we try to make the best possible decision with the information available to us at the time. At the end of the day though, please recognize that parents always have the choice in sending your child to school. Simply put, if you don’t feel comfortable sending your child to school, keep them home,” Morrow wrote in the statement.
“We care deeply for all students and do not make snow decisions lightly.”
Superintendent Morrow’s statement can be found through this link.
