At this time, schools are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, January 8, but schedules will be delayed one hour. (This could change if weather conditions change. Parents are encouraged to check the MCS website -- http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us  -- for any updates.)

Monroe County Schools reopened following Christmas holidays on Monday, Jan. 6, with a teacher in-service day. However, temperatures were dropping during the day on Monday, heading for a Tuesday morning low of 9 to 10 degrees with wind chills of 3- to 5-below-zero. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing all day Tuesday and through early Wednesday morning.

Monroe County School officials began consulting with Emergency Management Service personnel on Sunday afternoon concerning plans for Tuesday. The safety of students is the primary concern. Students out early on Tuesday morning to meet school buses would be exposed to dangerous cold temperatures, creating the danger of frostbite and hypothermia.

In addition, the extreme cold causes mechanical issues related to operation of school buses. "Our primary concern is the safety of our students. So we feel closing school on Tuesday is the best route," said Superintendent Anthony Pack.

Pack said the decision to delay schedules one hour on Wednesday morning is due to the fact that temperatures will remain below freezing overnight on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. An additional hour of daylight will help the situation for students and for buses.

For the most up-to-date information about weather and school schedules, visit the Monroe County School's website at http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us .   You may also follow MCS on Twitter via the website.