Superintendent: district uses National Weather Service warnings to guide school closures

Superintendent Gajewski told the Racine Unified School District Board of Education on Feb. 17 that the district relies on National Weather Service warnings (for winter storm, blizzard or extreme cold) as the primary trigger when deciding to close schools.

“We utilize whether or not a warning is issued,” Gajewski said, describing how district officials monitor National Weather Service updates and sometimes receive notice the night before or in the middle of the night. He said the district aims to give families as much lead time as possible so they can make arrangements.

Gajewski said that last week the National Weather Service issued a warning the day before, which allowed the district to announce a closure early and provide families with notice. He acknowledged the decisions are sometimes unpopular with some community members because warnings can be issued or clarified late; he said the district’s approach is intended to avoid guessing about forecasts and to rely on official warnings.

Board members discussed the timing of public messaging and the community reaction when closures are called early; the superintendent said the district coordinates with other local superintendents and uses media and social channels to communicate decisions.

No formal action was taken on closures during the meeting; Gajewski’s remarks were an informational update.