Morning delays at Austin schools are receiving some ribbing online.
Austin ISD, the University of Texas, the City of Austin and dozens of other school districts and government agencies postponed start times until 10 a.m. this morning.
Some districts, like Round Rock ISD, also posted through explanations of their thinking in making the decision to issue late starts.
The agencies likely feared a repeat of the gridlock that choked Austin last week when many of the same agencies waited until morning rush hour to issue postponements and cancelations.
Still, the decision has some arguing, in the words of one Reddit user, that "Austin's not so good at winter."
That sentiment is easy to find on Twitter:
Apparently we now delay school because of "the possibility of light sleet." COME ON, Austin. THIS is why people make fun of us.
— Cory Putman Oakes (@CoryPutmanOakes) February 6, 2014
sleet was spotted in south austin #closethecity #texasproblems
— Brett Merfish (@bmerfie) February 6, 2014
Austin schools had a 2 hr delay this morning because it's cold. There has been 0 precipitation. This East coast girl is confused #buthappy
— Blair Lamb (@blairblogs) February 6, 2014
I don't even know if I can handle these icy conditions y'all. This is almost too much. pic.twitter.com/Q55HHAnSni
— dav 🍓 (@turtletatt2) February 6, 2014
Of course, no weather forecast can be made with complete accuracy. The City of Austin writes its "decisions about … delays and closures are made based on the best available information that officials have at the time." AISD writes that if it has "compelling information" about inclement weather, it will issue a decision before 9 p.m; otherwise, its next decision point comes at 6 a.m.
Let's hear your opinion: did Austin jump the gun in issuing today's delays?
