COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When temperatures turn frigid, common advice is to stay out of the cold as much as you can, but some don't have that option.
With the previous day's snowfall, factored into high wind chills and low temperatures, many schools were closed Thursday. But some decided to hold business as usual, which meant students standing outside at bus stops.
One parent said that for seven Columbus City Schools students, it was a cold, harsh reality for more than 30 minutes as kids stood along the Burgandy Lane bus stop. The bus, which is typically always on time, was late Thursday.
Tonia Vargas waits with a child in her car near the bus stop. While she sits, she watches seven other children who aren't as lucky.
"I said, 'If it takes 40 minutes for an adult to get frostbite, how are these kids feeling?'" Vargas said.
Vargas wanted answers, so she wrote to NBC 4.
Jeff Warner with Columbus City Schools said he was not aware of many calls on late buses, adding there were not widespread delays.
Warner also said he doesn't want to minimize concern, but the district is unable to control external circumstances like traffic. He said parents have every right to keep their child home, but they will get an unexcused absence in that case.
Vargas was so concerned she took eight children to school on her own. Now, she said she is worried that kids will have to make a tough decision: stand in the frigid air or get in the car with a stranger.
"I spoke to my sister and she said some parents might get angry their child got in with a stranger. Look at the choice they had," she said.
With Friday's weather expected to be even colder, Warner said the weather Thursday permitted school to continue as scheduled. As for Friday, Warner said they will make the decision as early as they can -- depending on the conditions.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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