Winter Weather Strains Schools

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A stretch of winter weather has highlighted growing operational and financial challenges for Iredell-Statesville Schools, as administrators balance student safety, attendance rules, and rising costs tied to snow and ice events.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff James discussed the district’s response during an interview Wednesday morning on WAME Radio, offering a detailed look at what it takes to reopen schools after severe winter weather.

James said years of budget constraints have reduced staffing and eliminated on-site equipment once used to clear school campuses.

“We’ve had to cut costs like everyone else,” James said. “We no longer have tractors or equipment at each school to scrape parking lots. We don’t have the staff to do that work, so we have to contract it out — and schools are often last in line behind private businesses.”

According to James, clearing all district campuses one time can cost approximately $50,000, a figure he noted is equivalent to the cost of a teaching position. In addition, the district recently spent $30,000 on ice melt to improve safety on campuses.

“These are decisions people don’t always see,” James said. “If we spend $50,000 today and it snows again in two days, then we’re potentially spending another $50,000. That’s real money that comes out of classrooms.”

James also addressed parent concerns about attendance during weather-related closures or delays. He emphasized that absences tied to hazardous road conditions can be classified as lawful absences, as long as families communicate with their school.

“If a bus can’t safely reach your road, call your school and let them know,” James said. “Safety comes first. We’re not going to hold that against families.”

The superintendent explained that while the district reports hundreds of performance metrics to the state, attendance is often the most immediate concern for parents. He noted the district has already used its five allowed remote learning days and has applied for a waiver should additional flexibility be needed.

Beyond academics, James highlighted the broader impact school closures have on families, particularly those facing food insecurity. Thousands of students rely on school meals, he said, and closures disrupt that support.

“We’re not talking about a handful of kids,” James said. “We’re talking about thousands who may not get a nutritious meal if schools are closed.”

James praised faith-based organizations and community partners for stepping in during closures, including efforts to provide backpacks of food and hot meals at designated sites.

Transportation safety was another major factor in closure decisions. James said icy secondary roads, especially in northern and western parts of the county, can make travel unsafe for buses weighing more than 30,000 pounds.

“If a bus slides off the road, that’s not like a car,” he said. “There are no seat belts. The risk to students and drivers is serious.”

James pushed back on the idea that schools close unnecessarily, stressing that staff and teachers want students back in classrooms as soon as it is safe.

“Teachers aren’t doing this for the salary,” he said. “They’re here for kids and for this community. But we have to make decisions that protect students, staff, and families.”

District leaders say they plan to review this winter’s response once conditions improve, with the goal of refining procedures for future storms — while continuing to weigh safety, cost, and the needs of students across Iredell County.