On December 1, our community saw how quickly winter conditions can turn dangerous, slick roads, crashes, and stressful commutes that left students and families shaken. Local reporting documented widespread traffic problems across Johnson County during that storm. 

Then on January 23, extreme cold returned. The National Weather Service issued alerts for our region warning of very cold wind chills and hazardous winter conditions, the kind of weather where frostbite risk and travel safety become real concerns, especially for students waiting at bus stops or walking to school. 

Now we are facing another significant winter storm heading into Monday, January 26. Local coverage indicates the Kansas City metro’s most likely snow total is 5 to 8 inches, with bitter cold following, conditions that can keep roads dangerous well after snow stops falling. 

Despite this, Blue Valley Schools has not yet called a snow day, and many families are anxious because we have not used a single snow day this year, even when conditions clearly raised safety concerns.

Why this matters:

Blue Valley’s own inclement weather guidance states that when extreme weather conditions exist, the district may cancel school or use a delayed start, and that when possible, announcements should be made the day before so families can plan. The superintendent makes the final decision by 6 a.m. 

That planning matters. Families need time to arrange childcare, staff need time to adjust, and students should not be forced into early-morning travel on untreated roads or in dangerous wind chills.

Our request:

By signing this petition, we urge Blue Valley Schools to prioritize student and staff safety by canceling school on Monday, January 26, based on:

• Forecasted snowfall totals that can create hazardous commuting conditions  
• Ongoing dangerous cold that increases injury risk and prevents quick road improvement  
• The district’s stated commitment to proactive communication “when possible”  

We should not wait for a preventable accident, injury, or traumatic commute to force action. A snow day is not about convenience, it’s about safety and peace of mind for students, parents, teachers, and staff.

Please join us in calling for no school on Monday, January 26.