COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) -- — The first snowfall of the year continues this week. Though it wasn't much local school districts are making changes to their policies.
Omaha Public Schools and Council Bluffs Community Schools say they'll consider using 2-hour late starts or early dismissals as alternatives when a full day off may not be warranted. Most metro districts will now decide if a late start is appropriate for this school year.
They say late starts will allow streets and sidewalks to be cleared, and early dismissal could avoid impending storms that could be unsafe for students.
Some parents appreciate the change.
"I think it's better than it used to be because some parents we sit around in the mornings and wait just to see if they're going to have school or not and school's important for these kids nowadays,” said Briauna Al-Muhaimin, a parent at Omaha Public Schools.
Other parents are upset because it may be more difficult to miss hours of work on short notice.
Most metro area school districts will consider a 2-hour late start for snow events this school year. Canceling classes is still an option.@3NewsNowOmaha pic.twitter.com/vafKWfRq3R
— Jake Wasikowski (@jakewasikowski) October 30, 2019
They'll still consider closing school for the entire day. Last year, some districts added extra days to the end of the year to make up for snow cancellations.
Parents may be informed by text, email, social media, or by KMTV.
