North Texas Schools Monitor Winter Storm Forecast for Potential Closures

Schools across North Texas are closely monitoring a winter storm forecast that predicts a wintry mix and several inches of snow on Thursday, leaving families and educators in suspense about potential school closures. While the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, school districts are waiting for more certainty before making final decisions.

David Bates, Chief Operating Officer of a local school district, emphasized that the decision to close schools is not solely based on snowfall predictions. “Kids have gone to school when it’s cold and there are a few flurries before, but ice is the real concern,” he said. “If snow accumulates, it could lead to downed tree branches and power outages, which would affect heating in schools. We have to consider all these factors.”

Dallas Independent School District (DISD) plans to make a decision on Wednesday afternoon following a 1 p.m. briefing from the NWS. Superintendent Tabitha Branum highlighted the challenges of timing, noting that while morning commutes might be manageable, afternoon conditions could pose significant risks. “We have 160 buses transporting 6,000 students and hundreds of high school student drivers. Safety is our top priority,” she said.

Athletics departments are also preparing for potential disruptions. Corey Eaton, with Dallas ISD Athletics, explained that outdoor events are typically canceled if temperatures drop to 28 degrees with a wind chill of 22 degrees. “We’ve been monitoring the forecast since Sunday to ensure the safety of our athletes,” Eaton said. “Our leadership is considering all options and will make a decision soon.”

Other districts, including Fort Worth ISD, Arlington ISD, and Plano ISD, are taking a similar cautious approach. Arlington ISD stated it will rely on NWS briefings for planning purposes, while Plano ISD assured families it is closely monitoring conditions and will provide updates as needed. Irving ISD shared a Winter Weather Checklist on social media, outlining where closure announcements will be posted.

Garland ISD and Frisco ISD have outlined their communication plans for weather-related closures. Garland ISD will notify families by 6 a.m. through its website, social media, and the ParentSquare notification system. Frisco ISD aims to make a decision by 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, with updates shared via email, text, phone, and news outlets.

As the storm approaches, North Texas school districts are collaborating to ensure the safety of students and staff. With forecasts still evolving, families are advised to stay tuned for updates from their respective districts.