Schools split on delaying decision

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Hundreds of districts across Central Indiana were on a two-hour delay Tuesday.

But some, including Indianapolis Public Schools, didn’t alter their hours of operation.

“We have a substantial number of students who depend on us for breakfast,” IPS spokesman John Althardt said. “From what we were able to tell, there was not going to be an appreciable improvement in the weather by delaying two hours.”

For those who made changes, the choice wasn’t easy.

At least ten buses Hamilton Southeastern Schools depend on did not start Tuesday morning. But that two hour delay gave crews time to make necessary repairs.

“We don't want anybody sitting on curb waiting for a bus because we had Maintenance delay,”  transportation director Jim White said. “Anytime you have buses that sit in this kind of temperature you know you are going to have some issues.”

The two hour delay meant car saleswoman Lauren Wilkins would have some explaining to do.  Her children go to school in Warren Township.

“I was late to work. I am just glad I have a nice boss. I don't think most bosses would be like it's OK,” Lauren Wilkins said, noting she didn’t understand why school was closed. 

Martinsville is just one of dozens of districts on a two-hour delay Tuesday. It’s a decision they say is not made lightly.

“At this time, the National Weather Service is predicting a -10 wind chill, so we made that decision for the safety of the students,” said Randy Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Business with the Martinsville School District, on Monday night.  “Hopefully the sun comes up, it gets a little warmer, the wind dies down, and they can come to school.”

Their school bus fleet was ready as well. Buses are plugged in, which heats the diesel fuel, making it easier to start buses in the morning.

But, the decision isn't made only for the students waiting for buses.

“Some students will walk as far as a mile and a half to get to school; it’s a bearing on us to make that good decision,” added Taylor.