Do It for the Kids

The Chicago Public School system has finally done the right thing and closed the schools for tomorrow due to the freezing temperatures expected tomorrow. It only took them until almost 5:30 tonight to make the decision that so many other schools in and around the city had already made a day or so ago. Why Chicago waited so long is beyond me. Mayor Rahm Emanuel isn't even in the city! This evening's press conference with various city workers was mayor-less. Apparently he's traveling somewhere but is expected back tomorrow. How Bloombergian of him. (I don't believe he's on a private jet in Bermuda, but you get my drift.) The fact that city officials were warning people about how to avoid frostbite and recommending that they stay indoors tomorrow yet the schools were still expected to be open was ridiculous. Basically, Rahm and the rest of the school officials were telling Chicago Public School kids, parents, and teachers, "To hell with you." (On a side note, the school that Rahm's kids attend will be closed tomorrow.) While I'm glad CPS officials finally came to their senses and closed the schools, the lateness of the announcement angers me. If temps are going to be below zero and the wind chill will be something like 40 below, it's time to close the schools. Do it for the kids!!!