How Will Closings Affect the Last Day of School for District 205?

Many parents across the Chicago region were upset Tuesday after school was cancelled for the fourth time in a month due to extreme weather conditions while some questioned "how cold is too cold" when it comes to the decision to close schools, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Superintendent David Pruneau told the Chicago Tribune school districts can't "assume that every child has a ride" to school even on extremely cold days like those experienced this past week. 

District 205 has used four out of its five emergency days "that the Illinois State Board of Education requires be scheduled into the school calendar," according to a message posted on the district's website. 

If no other emergency days are used this year, the last day of school will be June 4, according to a message on the district's website. If one more emergency day is used, the last day will be Thursday, June 5.

"If we go beyond the 5 emergency days, the District will seek approval for so-called 'Act of God' days," according to the message on the district's website. "These days must be approved by both the DuPage Regional and State Superintendent of Education. Once approved, these days are not made up and do not negatively impact the General State Aid which District 205 receives."

The message went on to state that if the days are used for weather-related conditions "that are a threat to the health and safety of students," it is likely they would be approved. 

"Since the only reason we cancel school is due to the safety of students, our last day of school, regardless of other cancellations, will be June 5th," according to the message. "It is safe for District 205 families to make vacation plans following that date."

Is cold weather a good enough reason to close schools? Tell us what you think in the comments section.