School administration takes decisions to close school due to inclement weather conditions very seriously. As with most decisions that affect literally thousands of people, it will impact individuals differently. You may be interested in knowing what goes into the decision.

The most important consideration in the decision is children’s safety. Can we safely transport children to and from school? Many people and factors are involved. We monitor the weather conditions with information from national and local weather services. If they issue a Winter Storm Warning (different than a winter weather advisory) during the hours that school is operated, then we will likely close school.

We will not typically close schools during winter weather advisories unless we hear from local agencies that the roads are not safe. County and municipal road crews are contacted to assess road conditions and the extent to which they will be safe to travel at the time students are to be transported. If plows are able to have snow removed from the majority of bus routes, and there is no concern for high winds or a rate of snowfall that would prohibit keeping the roads clear, buses can operate safely. Few vehicles are safer than buses with professional drivers in winter driving conditions. If it is determined we cannot safely transport children to school, or cannot safely transport children home from school, then schools will be closed.

While district staff have the responsibility to close school due to weather, no decision of ours overrides the judgment as a parent. By no means are the decisions meant to take decision-making authority away from families if they feel individual circumstances may be different for them. As in any circumstance, if you believe travel is unsafe for you and/or your student(s), we defer to you to make the best decision necessary based on the circumstances presented.

In the end, please rest assured that the ability to safely move our 3,500 students to and from school is the primary determinant for closing school. That safety is determined with input from many professionals who are committed to the safety of children - a responsibility that is not taken lightly. 

In case of inclement weather, the Elkhorn Area School District will announce school closings as soon as possible. We will notify parents by phone call and email. These announcements will also be made on local TV stations. School closings will also be available on Facebook.

Our practice is to close Elkhorn Area Schools if the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Cold Warning (issued when sustained -30 degree wind chills are expected) for Walworth County for the time just before the school day begins. Schools typically will not be closed if there is a Cold Weather Advisory for the county, but if the temperatures are close to the Extreme Cold Warning threshold then school may be closed.

When Elkhorn Area Schools are closed for the day, it also means that all activities scheduled in school buildings for that day are canceled. This includes all EASD programs and all after-school programs.

When a potential school closure due to inclement weather is foreseeable, a decision may be made to schedule a Digital Learning Day for students in grades 6-12. Students will be expected to complete their instructional coursework at home in lieu of attending school. Families can learn more by reviewing the Digital Learning Day Guide.