School Closing Information

During inclement weather or in emergency situations, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We understand that school closures can pose challenged for families due to childcare and work commitments, which is why we aim to keep schools open whenever possible. 

When deciding whether to close school buildings, we consider several key factors:

• The safety and well-being of students and staff.
• The severity of the weather (e.g., extreme cold, heavy snowfall, flooding)
• The timing of the weather events
• The ability of buses and vehicles to travel safely
• The operational condition of our facilities

If schools remain open and you believe it is unsafe for your child to attend, please contact the school attendance office. Your child will be granted an excused absence.

The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for determining whether conditions warrant the closure of one or more school buildings. This decision is typically made in collaboration with District Administration, neighboring superintendents, local Village departments, the bus service provider, and the Illinois Department of Transportation, depending on the situation.

Northbrook District 27 works closely with Glenbrook District 225 and Districts 28, 30, 31, 34, and TrueNorth regarding school closures. We recognize that many families have children enrolled at both Glenbrook North High School and District 27, so we strive for consistency to minimize disruption. While alignment may not always be possible, please be assured that it remains a priority in our decision-making process.

Data source: The National Weather Service is the primary meteorological source to determine and declare weather conditions such as snow forecasts, Extreme Cold Warnings, or Cold Weather Advisories.

In the event of a school closure or emergency, parents can expect to receive notifications via automated phone calls, emails, and text messages. It is the responsibility of parents to provide accurate contact information to the school. This information is collected during registration but must be updated if there are any changes to phone numbers or email addresses during the school year.

Decisions regarding school closures are typically made by 6:00 a.m. on the day of the closure, allowing us to monitor weather conditions overnight and avoid unnecessary cancellations. Closures will only be announced the night before if conditions are certain and warrant such action. We encourage parents to establish contingency plans for potential closures throughout the school year, regardless of the season.

Emergency and closure information can also be accessed through the following sources:

• School and District websites
• The Emergency Closing Center website
• The District’s social media channels

School buildings may be closed due to inclement weather conditions or other emergencies that render the operation of facilities unsafe. In extreme situations or in the event of significant damage, the superintendent may close all buildings and cancel all scheduled events.

General guidelines for district-wide closures are as follows:

• All District 27 school facilities or individual facilities may be closed as necessary.
• All after-school activities and field trips will be canceled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
• All student events will be canceled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
• Athletic events and practices will be canceled unless specifically announced by the school principal.

Heavy Snow – School Will Be Closed

If heavy snowfall creates conditions where the safety of students and staff is at risk, travel is prohibitive, or buildings cannot be prepared for a regular school day, schools will be closed. Parents will be notified using all previously identified communication methods.  

Unlike extreme cold, it can be more challenging to predict whether snow will lead to a closure. Typically, parents should expect to receive notification of a school closure due to snow in the morning.

Severe Cold – Two Possible Outcomes

1. Extreme Cold Warning – Schools Will Be Closed:

Schools will be closed under the condition of an Extreme Cold Warning. An Extreme Cold Warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exist. Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately. An Extreme Cold Warning is typically issued when the wind chill will be -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and the winds are greater than or equal to 10 mph OR the actual temperature is -15° F.

General Range – Wind-chills -30°F or lower and wind speeds 10 mph or greater or Actual temperature -15°F or lower

• Schools will be closed.
• All notification systems will be leveraged to send school cancellation communications to families.
• Extracurricular activities will be cancelled.

2. Cold Weather Advisory – Schools Will Be Open:

A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when conditions do not meet the Extreme Cold Warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a Cold Weather Advisory is not life-threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconvenience or pose a moderate risk to safety. A Cold Weather Advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder AND the winds are greater to OR equal to 10 mph.

General Range – Wind-chills -20°F to -29°F and wind speeds 10 mph or greater or Actual temperature -5°F to -14°F

• Schools will be open and student attendance is expected.
• The Northbrook Fire and Police Departments will be notified prior to the start of these school days.
• Extracurricular activities will be evaluated and may be suspended if conditions persist.
• All outside student activities will be suspended.

Family Situation

Whenever a decision is made to cancel school or alter the school day, it is based on the overall safety conditions for all students and staff. The District acknowledges that conditions may vary for each individual students or families.  As previously stated, if you believe it is unsafe for your child to attend school, please contact the school attendance office and the absence will be excused.