Lincolnwood School District 74 understands that the decision to open or close schools in inclement weather has a big effect on families. We also understand that our students are better served, both academically and socially, by being in school whenever possible. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority in deciding whether to keep schools open or to close schools in inclement weather.

How do we make our decision?

We make the decision to open or close the schools in inclement weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

• Information on road and parking lot conditions from the Lincolnwood Police Department and from our buildings and grounds department.
• The amount of accumulated snow/ice.
• Whether snow/ice is in the forecast. We prefer not to make our decisions based on weather predictions, which are not always accurate. However, sometimes this is unavoidable.
• Building conditions (such as whether we have electricity and heat).
• The temperature and wind chill.
• What other school districts are doing. We work in cooperation with other Niles Township elementary districts and Niles Township High School.

Who makes the decision?

The Superintendent of Schools or designee makes the final decision, based on the above factors.

When is the decision made?

Usually, the decision to close school is made by 6:00 a.m. or earlier.

Notification process

There are several ways to find out if school is closed (or open on what seems like an inclement weather day):

• Listen for a call or look out for a text message from the District's messaging system between 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.
• Visit the District website at www.sd74.org where the information will be posted on the home page. School closing information will also be posted on the District’s Instagram and X accounts @lincolnwoodsd74.
• Tune in to local network channels: CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, or Fox.
• Listen to local radio broadcasts: WGN (720-AM), WBBM (780-AM), or The Zone (94.7-FM)

Information about SD74’s messaging system

The District’s messaging system is used in place of traditional "phone trees" to notify parents and staff of school closings, power outages, and other significant events. Everyone will receive the same recorded and/or text message within minutes.

To receive a recorded message, you need only answer your phone, or have a voicemail set up to record your incoming message. Calls and text messages will automatically be sent to the phone numbers you have previously provided the District. Please be sure that we have all of your updated home and cell phone numbers and email addresses on file in PowerSchool.

Will we close schools if conditions worsen?

Keep in mind that, even if weather conditions worsen, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning without endangering students. Once we decide to open the schools, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If we then send students right back home, many will return to empty houses.

Are snow days built into the school calendar?

Extra days are not built into the District calendar. Therefore, if the District closes due to inclement weather, each day missed will be made up at the end of the school year. However, under certain conditions, the District may implement its approved e-learning plan. Students would spend time learning on the computer. An e-learning day counts as a regular day of school and does not need to be made up at the end of the school year.

For more information about the District's e-learning plan, click here.

A parent/guardian’s decision

Although the District does its best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel it is safe for your child to attend school, we respect your right to keep your child at home.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. David L. Russo, Superintendent of Schools, at drusso@sd74.org or 847-675-8234.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING CENTER:

Visit the Emergency Closing Center website for Chicagoland schools.

• Search for our school by typing the name in the search bar.