During the area’s largest snowfall of the winter, Sinclair Community College attempted to keep its doors opened last week.
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, Sinclair shut down at noon due to inclement weather. On Feb. 10, the college delayed its opening until noon.
Sinclair Vice President Jeff Boudouris is a part of the college’s team that funnels weather and road information to Sinclair President Steven Johnson, who ultimately makes the final call to shut down the campus.
President Johnson was unable to comment due to the Clarion deadline.
Boudouris said three main elements go into the decision — the weather, the roads and the campus grounds.
“We’re considering the students, staff and faculty as the whole balance,” Boudouris said. “Multiple elements go into the decision.”
Some students at Sinclair were not happy with Sinclair’s decision to close early on Feb. 9 and open late on Feb. 10.
“School being opened (on Tuesday) was an inconvenience,” said Ronnie Moore, a Nursing student. “I have a son and a daughter that didn’t have school. Sinclair needs to take that into consideration.”
Boudouris suggested the decision to close school is never a flawless process.
“You have so many dynamic variables that are going on,” he said. “We try and make the best assessment that we have … it’s never going to be perfect.”
English major Brittany Monterosso said she didn’t agree with the decision to send students home on Feb. 9.
“It was dumb having us come to school and after we get here, cancel and make us drive all the way back in the snow,” she said.
Twelve surrounding counties, including Montgomery, were under snow emergencies on the night of Feb. 9, according to Whiotv.com. On Feb. 10, Wright State University closed for the day, while Sinclair began classes at noon. Boudouris said Wright State’s closing was connected to the Level 2 snow emergency in Greene County.
Boudouris said each college has it’s own situations and set of circumstances and to continually check media outlets for the latest closing or delay information.
“Communication is critical,” he said. “We encourage all of our students to check (www.sinclair.edu) and the local media because things can change very quickly.”