The decision to cancel classes during inclement weather may seem like an obvious determination, but many factors contribute to the ultimate conclusion.

According to Bruce Anderson, interim superintendent at Austin Public Schools, school closings are a matter he takes “very seriously.”

“The overriding concern on which the whole decision is based is the safety and well being of the students and the staff,” Anderson explained. “Secondary, is that when we delay, for example, or close, and people don’t find out until 6, it’s a real burden on families and people working with young kids. “People also need to understand there are a lot of issues the public are dealing with.”

On Monday night, Anderson consulted online weather updates to gage where the snow was headed, and talked with staff at Austin Transportation, who drive through country roads around the area to see if there are safe for buses.

Anderson also consults with KAAL-TV, other school districts, school staff and law enforcement when making his decision.

“There’s a wealth of information we are gathering all night, especially from about 3 a.m. on,” he said. “I like to make the decision no later than 5 a.m., or if it’s an absolutely slam dunk decision, midnight or before.”

Anderson said that above all else, the barometer of safety is most important; however, “Our goal is to have kids in school,” he said.

According to Rusty Dawkins, chief meteorologist at KAAL-TV, Austin received 6 1/2 inches of snow Sunday through Monday in what he called a “good old-fashioned storm.”

School closings and delays are posted on the Austin Public Schools’ Web site at www.austin.k12.mn.us.