Most Eastern Iowa schools still opt for snow day - even with virtual learning options

IOWA'S NEWS NOW — Dozens of school districts and school systems across Iowa closed down on Tuesday due to winter weather.

Out of the 50+ districts and systems in the Iowa's News Now ticker, only five opted for virtual learning for the day.

The age of the pandemic means the infrastructure for online learning is almost always in place - making the option readily available when needed.

For Xavier High School principal Angela Olson, the decision to still close and not have class simply comes from the still-existing availability of snow days from the Iowa Department of Education.

"(Students) are Zooming in every day at some point with our hybrid schedule - so that's not a concern," Olson said Tuesday about the ability to shift to virtual learning in a pinch. "What we did also decide is that kids just really like snow days. We know how many snow days we have banked - so this year, when we can have snow days, we're gonna have them. Once we run out, then we will go virtual for the day."

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Olson also says the lack of bussing this year factors into the decision - as parents and young drivers are wholly responsible for transportation.