From Snow Days to Summer Holidays: A Change in Forecast

 

Last December, I wrote an article about the great superintendent dilemma: the Snow Day call. The stress. The pressure. The inevitable chorus of “You should have known!” from students, parents, and staff, regardless of what decision you make. Some days, superintendents cannot win, especially when the weather app is indecisive as well.

This year is a little different.

Right now, I am writing from Salvador, Brazil, where it is a sunny 86 degrees on a December afternoon. Palm trees sway, the ocean breeze rolls in, and the locals excitedly discuss the change of seasons. And they mean it. Here, the seasonal shift is a 10-degree swing: 75 degrees is considered “cold,” and 85 degrees is considered “hot.” Perspective is everything.

There is no black ice on the roads or snow piling up by the hour. The only thing falling from the sky is sunshine, and maybe a ripe coconut if I do not pay attention.

So while I do not expect any Snow Days this year, in fact, I am pretty sure the closest thing I will get is a slightly overcast morning, I do have a message for those still staring at Doppler radar maps in the middle of the night:

Take it easy on the decision makers. They are doing their very best to get it right, balancing safety, learning, and the unpredictability of winter. Every call feels like a referendum on leadership, and sometimes the forecast refuses to cooperate.

As for me, I will continue cheering you on from 530 miles south of the equator, where it is both the holiday season and summer break.

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to crack open a coconut. There are important superintendent duties to attend to.

Happy Holidays, wherever your weather station may be.