The current wave of bitter cold temperatures in Central Illinois has led to the cancellation of multiple area schools for Thursday, and the chances of having school on Friday don’t look that much better.
Thursday morning’s forecast has been estimated at -5 degrees, with a wind chill of -15 to -20.
In Champaign County, Urbana School District 116, Rantoul City Schools, and Heritage School District will not be open on Thursday.
Villa Grove and Arthur schools have also announced closures.
Not just public schools have opted to close – at least one private school has as well.
“These are always challenging decisions, but wanted you to know that the safety of our JCS family, especially your children, is always our first priority,” wrote Judah Christian School superintendent Michael Chitty in an email to families. “We are also keeping an eye on Friday given the similar forecast.”
In a post on Facebook, Urbana School District 116 cited the forecast of icy winds between 7 and 9 a.m. for its decision.
“Please protect yourself from those low temperatures,” the post read.
On Tuesday, Mahomet-Seymour school district superintendent sent out an email to remind parents about policies related to cold. School is scheduled to end its holiday break with students returning on Friday.
The largest district in the area remains closed into next week. Champaign Unit 4 Schools have not yet returned from the winter holiday break. Champaign teachers return on Monday for an institute day, while students are scheduled to head back on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Need childcare for days when school is out due to snow or cold? Here are is our article about how to find backup childcare in and around Champaign-Urbana.