Parents Debate Sending Kids to School Amid Extreme Cold

Schools respond with delays and cancellations, leaving parents to weigh risks and benefits.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:41am

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A blurred, out-of-focus scene of a school bus in a snowy, winter landscape, with warm pools of light and color creating a soft, atmospheric mood that evokes the emotional uncertainty and concern surrounding the difficult decision of sending children to school in extreme cold.As parents grapple with the risks of sending their children to school in extreme cold, the soft, dreamy quality of this illustration captures the emotional uncertainty and concern surrounding the difficult decision.Fosston Today

As a frigid cold snap sweeps across the region, schools in the Fosston, Minnesota area have responded with delays and cancellations, leaving parents to decide whether to send their children to school. One local mother, Ciera Jobgen, chose to keep her daughter home despite the district's two-hour delay, citing concerns about the long bus commute and the heightened risk of frostbite and vehicle issues in such extreme temperatures. The district's policy allows for excused absences on delayed or canceled days, but policies vary across the region, sparking debate among parents over the appropriate temperature threshold for closures.

Why it matters

This controversy underscores the complex decision-making process parents face during extreme weather events, as they must balance the need for their children's education with the risks associated with outdoor travel in harsh winter conditions. The varying policies across school districts add to the confusion and uncertainty for families.

The details

Jobgen's decision was influenced by the 15-20 mile rural commute her daughter faces to get to school, which could be treacherous in the event of a bus malfunction. She highlighted the heightened risk of frostbite and vehicle issues at such low temperatures, emphasizing that even bundled-up students are vulnerable. Jobgen expressed a willingness to send her daughter to school if temperatures were milder, specifically mentioning -10, -15, or -20 degrees Fahrenheit as a more acceptable threshold.

  • On Friday, Fosston schools had a two-hour delay due to the extreme cold.
  • On Wednesday, the Fosston school district communicated its policy allowing for excused absences on delayed or canceled days.

The players

Ciera Jobgen

A Fosston, Minnesota mother who chose to keep her daughter home from school despite the district's two-hour delay, citing concerns about the long bus commute and the risks of extreme cold.

Fosston School District

The school district in Fosston, Minnesota that has no set guidelines for weather-related closures, instead relying on road reports, wind, and temperature assessments for each situation.

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What they’re saying

“I'm willing to send my daughter to school if temperatures were milder, specifically mentioning -10, -15, or -20 degrees Fahrenheit as a more acceptable threshold.”

— Ciera Jobgen, Fosston parent

What’s next

The Fosston school district will continue to monitor weather conditions and make decisions about delays or closures on a case-by-case basis.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the difficult choices parents face when extreme weather disrupts the school schedule, as they must weigh the educational needs of their children against the safety risks posed by harsh winter conditions. The lack of consistent policies across school districts adds to the confusion and uncertainty for families.