GATES-CHILI, N.Y. (WROC) - As temperatures plunge below freezing, school districts are facing tough choices about whether to delay or cancel classes. But what goes into those decisions? I'm told many factors coming into play when extreme weather events occur, and every situation is unique.  Ensuring the safety of students, staff, and families involves a collaborative effort that begins long before the first snowflake falls. Local officials, emergency responders, and transportation teams all play a vital role in assessing conditions and preparing for potential disruptions. From monitoring roadways and bus safety to making sure facilities are ready for arrival, it's a detailed and coordinated process that prioritizes the well-being of everyone in the community. “We also talk with our local highway departments about the conditions of the roads. Our local emergency responder to see if there’s any issues. There’s talks with our transportation directors about the conditions of the buses, will they be able to go as well as our buildings and facilities crews that are out making sure that or will be able to have our areas salted and ready for arrival,” says Christopher Dailey, the superintendent of the Gates-Chili Central School District. Deciding whether to delay or cancel school during extreme cold isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Each district faces unique challenges based on its community's needs. Factors like how many students walk to school, how many rely on buses, and the impact of wind chill on outdoor conditions all play a role in these critical decisions. For some districts, a large number of student walkers might mean calling for closures earlier, while others with different transportation setups may approach things differently. “Depending on your individual district and the conditions there, some districts may choose to, some may not based on their population for example. In Gates-Chili. We don’t have a significant amount of walkers where in some other districts, they have a large amount. So, they have to look at a lower wind chill factor than maybe a district like ours where a lot of students are driven by families,” Superintendent Dailey said. When it comes to deciding whether to open or close schools, it’s not just about whether the roads are passable, or the temperatures are below freezing. The district takes a broader approach, considering all aspects that impact students’ well-being and education. Keeping children in school is a priority, but their safety is always the top concern. Superintendent Dailey shares how the district weighs these factors to ensure both the safety and success of every student. “We take a broader look at the entire district. We want to have them in school as much as possible,” said Superintendent Dailey. “We have warm buildings and great teachers and support staff and facilities that allow them to succeed. So, anytime we can have them here, great. But if it becomes a safety concern, we make that decision to keep everyone as safe as possible.”  While the goal is always to keep students in school, Superintendent Dailey reminds us that safety comes first. The district's focus on both student success and well-being is at the heart of every decision.