Metro Schools' Decision To Hold Classes Creates Storm of Complaints

Metro schools made the call to hold classes on Monday despite the winter conditions. The decision created a storm of complaints in one district.

Edmond Public School students thought they would have the day off due to winter weather, but were surprised, even angry, when classes weren't called off.

More than 400 people commented on the district's Facebook page. Edmond North High School student David Gateley is one of them.

"I wasn't necessarily angry, I just wanted some answers," He said.

Gateley wants to know why the district didn't use a snow day. Parents with young, inexperienced drivers want to know the same.

"I was very nervous," said Julie Roberts. Her 16-year-old daughter drove to school Monday morning.

"This was her first time to drive in this," Roberts said.

The district's spokesperson Susan Parks-Schlepp said the district sends people out as early as 3:30 a.m. to check the roads.

"This is one of the those marginal days where it is difficult to make the call," Parks-Schlepp said.

The district stayed open even though it has adopted to extend the school day by 20 minutes in anticipation of winter weather.

"What it is, is a cushion for us," Parks-Schlepp said.

Parks-Schlepp said students will not get out any earlier if those days aren't used.

"We think there is value in that extra instructional time. So that seems to be where the confusion is coming from," she said.

Parks-Schlepp said if the district canceled classes, it would likely get as many if not more complaints.

The largest districts in the metro, Oklahoma City public school and Putnam City school, also did not cancel classes.