ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — What started out as a pretty mild winter is gearing up to make up for lost time. West Michigan school districts are already making plans for next week's bitterly cold temperatures.
Depending on location, school leaders are looking at anywhere from one to three or even more days off.
Making the tough decision to call off classes has to be one of the hardest parts of the job.
"We know closures are really inconvenient for families. My wife reminds me of that all the time," Forest Hills Superintendent Dan Behm said Friday.
He said the temperature forecast for next week is unprecedented in his 18 years heading up the district.
"Safety of kids is the most important thing," Behm said.
It's the most important thing, for certain, but not the only factor to consider when it comes to harsh weather.
"We try to make sure our bus heaters are plugged in because this cold weather is really tough on mechanical equipment," Behm said.