School Cancellations

District 64 coordinates with other school districts in our community (62, 63, 79 and 207). The Superintendents work together on closing decisions for severe weather-related conditions or other emergency situations. D64 currently does not have an eLearning option, so in the event we need to close school, it would be a no student attendance day.

Any decision to cancel school or alter the school day is based on general safety conditions for all students and staff. Districts know that conditions may vary for each student or family. If, in the event of severe weather when schools are open, you feel it is unsafe to send your student to school, please contact the school office.

View Winter Closing Guidelines for 2024-2025 Graphic.

SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

Our first priority is the safety of students and staff. At the same time, we know that closings create childcare and work schedule problems for families. District 64 understands that individual views of weather-related closings vary and that not everyone will always agree with our decisions. For many reasons, we prefer to keep schools open. The decision-making process involves Superintendents consulting with local municipal departments and the use of the National Weather Service data. Some factors we consider include:

• safety of students and staff
• severity of weather (extreme cold, flooding, etc.)
• timing of the weather
• ability of vehicles to travel safely and the ability of students
• to walk to and from school safely
• operable condition of our buildings and ability to maintain
• safe conditions around the buildings, sidewalks and parking lots

Wind Chill Is A Key Factor

Wind chill notices from the National Weather Service are the primary meteorological source to determine and declare weather conditions, such as snow forecasts, wind chill advisories, or wind chill warnings.

• Advisory - Schools will be in session when a wind chill advisory is issued. A wind chill advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 degrees F or colder. The weather during a wind chill advisory is not life-threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconvenience or pose a moderate risk to safety.
• Warning - In contrast, schools will be closed under the condition of a wind chill warning, which indicates life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exists. Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately. A wind chill warning is typically issued when the wind chill will be -30 degrees F or colder or the actual temperature is -15 degrees F or colder.

How We Inform Parents & Staff Of Closings

When a decision is made to cancel school, parents and staff can expect to receive an automated phone call, text and email. It is the parent's responsibility to provide up-to-date contact information and/or preferences to the school office.

School closing decisions will usually be made by 6:00 am. This allows Superintendents to monitor the weather overnight and avoid unnecessary closures.

Weather closing information is also available through the District 64 and school websites; recorded on District and school phone messages, and broadcast on TV and radio stations.