As the peak of winter is approaching, schools are relying closely on local news channels to make decisions on closings, delays and early dismissals.

Schools have to make the difficult decision whether to run on a normal schedule or to cancel in order to keep all students at home and safe.

“Safety is our number one priority,” Assistant Principal Amy Walker said. “We focus on the safety of our students and the adults that work in the building.”

There are several people that wonder the reasoning behind school closings on days such as last Monday when the roads “looked fine” to them. However, there are more roads that have to be taken into consideration than what people may see at first glance.

“Our buses go more places than just District One,” Walker said. “We have buses that go to Swofford in District Two, Alternative School in District Seven and Spartanburg Community College for our students that go to early college.”

The bus routes, which include shaded back roads, are the main issue during winter weather.

“The main roads that are being hit by the sun may be clear, but there are back roads that are covered in shade that the ice may be bad on for several days,” Walker said. “We have to take into consideration every route our students will be on.”

While school may be closed, many take driving into their own hands and choose to go out on their own. Whether driving to school or anywhere else, it’s important to remain safe and know how to drive in the winter weather.

“I would hope everyone would stay at home,” Walker said. “If you choose to go out and end up getting stuck out in the weather, call someone. You may think it’s only a short distance and you can make it, but your life is much more important, and it’s not worth the risk.”