The snow day decision

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) - School superintendents make tough decisions all the time, and as we found out, deciding whether to cancel class because of bad weather is one of the most difficult.

Bristol-Warren Regional School District Superintendent, Melinda Thies, says timing is key, but student safety is paramount. "There are many factors that go into the thinking. First and foremost is the safety of the students."

"It's also our ability to communicate effectively with parents, so that they can plan for these events. The amount of effective instructional time for the kids is also a factor."

The decision making for Thies begins at 2 a.m., when she starts looking for road and sidewalk conditions.

She keeps in close communication with the highway departments in Warren and Bristol, in additions to both police departments.

The discussion also extends outside to other superintendents in the East Bay and on the state level. Thies says she's in constant contact with the Emergency Management Agency .

The forecast is the most important determining factor, but the final decision relies on one person. "We're weighing in on a number of factors and experts out there that guide me in my decision making."

Click here for an updated list of school closings.