Parents Express Safety Concern Over Ice Covered Streets

By Craig Day, The News On 6

UNDATED -- Several dozen schools across the area canceled classes Monday because of the snowstorm. A handful of others opened late or adjusted bus routes.

Others opened for classes, but that has some parents upset. Some say it was just too dangerous to get out on slick streets.

See NewsOn6.com's complete list of school closings.

Caleb and his little brother, Tyson, got an unexpected day off Monday. Their Sand Springs schools were in session and their mom, Candice Hopkins, tried to get them there. But she said the roads were just too dangerous.

"The cars cannot stop. It's nothing but ice. Somebody is going to end up getting hurt," said Candice Hopkins.

Candice says on their way to school, she nearly ran off the road several times. So she turned the car around and headed home.

"The rear end of your car just starts sliding and it's just not worth it," said Candice Hopkins.

Hopkins would have preferred calling off school and just adding another day to the end of the year. 

It isn't just a Sand Springs issue.

Tulsa Public Schools opened, which frustrated Lisa Schneider.

"It was very slick," said Lisa Schneider.

While the snow melted as the sun came out, Schneider says it was a different story when parents did the early morning drop off.

"If one of the kids had walked, or slipped while they were trying to get out of the car, there is no way any of us could have stopped because we were doing good just to stay on the road ourselves," said Lisa Schneider.

Street crews in Tulsa and other communities have specific high priority routes. In Tulsa, schools fall under secondary routes, and this year, the budget shortfall is an issue.

"Given our current situation with the budget, we only treated a few schools that were in very hilly areas and then not until (Sunday) or (Monday)," said Paul Strizek, Tulsa Public Works.

While the school closing discussion is underway, the biggest concern for Caleb and Tyson is the debate over which game to play next.

Based on recommendations by people such as school maintenance and transportation directors, and school administrators, the superintendents in Tulsa and Sand Springs decided it was safe for buses and walkers to hold school. 

For kids who didn't go Monday, it is usually handled on a case by case basis at both schools whether that child will have an excused or unexcused absence.