[dateline] -- To cancel school or not was a big question for schools on Friday morning.
There were hundreds of school closings and delays in Central Ohio, including the area's largest district -- Columbus City Schools.
NBC 4's Marcus Thorpe investigated what goes into making the decision to close or delay the start of the school day.
During the early-morning hours of Friday, district employees around Central Ohio began driving, making critical decisions that affect almost everyone in the area.
Many times, those district employees make different conclusions.
A representative for Columbus City Schools said the district doesn't have the option to delay with 30,000 students riding busses.
South-Western City Schools closed because with 127 square miles covering the district, while roads in one area may be clear, other roads could be slush covered.
Other districts like Hilliard City Schools called for a two-hour delay, waiting to see how things progressed in the afternoon.
Most districts send people out to drive the streets, check with law enforcement officials, watch forecasts and then make decision.
Some parents and students found out they were delayed the hard way.
"I went to school, the doors were locked and lights were off. (My children) could have slept in. They were sound asleep when I woke them up to go," said Leah Parkinson, parent.
Most residents are affected if schools cancel because parents have to make changes in their schedules, also affecting hundreds of businesses.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or send a news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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