Kanawha County Schools faced significant backlash from parents and community members after the decision was made to keep schools open in dangerously low temperatures, with the wind chill reaching subzero levels. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, only three school districts in West Virginia were open, while schools in surrounding counties were closed. Many parents expressed concerns over the safety of children, especially with temperatures dropping drastically. According to the National Weather Service, wind chills were as low as -10 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, prompting warnings for frostbite and hypothermia in exposed skin within minutes. Parent Jennifer Smith questioned the school’s decision, stating, ‘I just don’t understand why they would put our children’s safety at risk like this.’ Other districts, such as Putnam and Fayette, opted for closure, highlighting the disparity in responses among leadership. School officials defended the choice, citing a commitment to continuity in education, but critics argue that the health risks outweighed educational priorities. Many community members called for a reevaluation of policies regarding extreme weather and school closures. Furthermore, with Governor Jim Justice also weighing in on the severe weather conditions, it remains a topic of heated debate within the state, particularly regarding child safety and the responsibilities of educational authorities.
Criticism Grows Over Decision to Keep Kanawha County Schools Open in Subzero Temperatures
