In our January Buzz Poll, we asked whether you think schools call snow days too early. 40% of respondents answered "yes" and 60% answered "no." Here's what you said:

Does anyone remember a year or two ago when schools called a snow day the night before and then we ended up not getting anything? As a working parent, I have to take vacation when the kids are home so they need to wait to be sure it's really needed. Mom of two in E'ville

I have lived in Albemarle County for many years, on a gravel, state maintained road. We have hills, sharp curves and shady places. I don't feel we have too many snow days. In fact, sometimes I feel the county has school when they shouldn't. There are many more crooked, hilly UNPAVED roads than folks realize. It's better to err on the side of caution than to put our children's safety at risk. Carol, mother of four

I wish they would call it and have the weather line updated by 4am. Mom in Barboursville

I think safety is the #1 priority, and better to err on the side of caution. Anonymous

I would rather know enough in advance to not have to get everyone up and ready for school if they won't be going that day anyway. Mom of three

When you cancel school before a flake of snow has even hit the ground, it is definitely too soon! Former central New York resident

Calling a snow day when it really could be a late opening makes it very difficult on working parents who have little to no advanced notice for arranging child care! Mother of two

I appreciate that schools take a safety-first approach with inclement weather. The hassle of snow days (and making them up) are a small price to pay to ensure that no one (students, parents, school personnel, and other passengers on the road) is seriously injured or killed due to unnecessary travel under dangerous conditions. Erin, mother of two

I think school officials have to make decisions based on not-so-good information from weather forecasters. I guess they figure if they don't cancel school when there is more than a threat of snow that people won't send their children that day. I remember waiting on pins and needles for school to be canceled because of bad weather... and I lived in Georgia where we rarely saw snow. Sharon, Ruckersville

The school system has to be sure that roads are safe for bus travel. It may seem to quick to call, in one area, but a few miles away, it may be unsafe to drive the buses. They truly are keeping the kids' safety first and foremost. Mom of two middle-schoolers

This is a decision that is impossible to get right all the time. Many parents in the county complain because the roads are clear and the schools are still closed. What they don't realize is the county includes bus routes way out in the country on dirt roads that don't get cleared as quickly and where the temperatures stay colder. They have to err on the side of safety. City mom

When we lived in Colorado, a school principal once told us that he would never call school unless the snow drifts made it impossible to open the doors! Taking into consideration all of the factors associated with children's safety, alternative arrangements for young children, and transportation in general, I'd always want to lean on the side of caution. Beth, mother of two

It is far better to err on the safe side. The decision affects the safety of our children. Crozet mother of two

I'm originally from New England so I was used to snow plows lined up on every street at the first snowflake. We wore snowsuits and boots to school. Snow days were truly a blast because you know the snow had to be really deep! But, I do understand that ice is dangerous and the buses come from all over the area, sometimes at higher elevations. I don't blame those who make the decision because I can imagine it must be very tough to decide. Crozet mom