Earlier this year, the temperatures and accompanying wind chills were not as cold as they were Friday morning.

Yet, Carbon County students had two-hour delays those days, but not this time. Why?Emails sent to several superintendents about the lack of a school delay were unanswered, including one to Jim Thorpe.Dennis Kergick, superintendent of schools in the Panther Valley Area School District, said, "As in any situation in our lives we are always part of the bigger picture. It is unfortunate that the severe temperature and wind chill has an adverse effect on our students and families. The decision-making process requires all of the county superintendents to work together and develop uniformity across district border lines."He said, "The process requires us to communicate with superintendents and transportation directors within the IU (intermediate unit). Ultimately, many educational programs and transportation of students to those programs are aligned by county or IU."Brian J. Gasper, superintendent of The Jim Thorpe Area School District, said, "JTASD scheduled a snow make-up day for today, which was also a scheduled early dismissal. In order to maintain our schedule, a delay was not a possibility. It was a matter of moving forward with the early dismissal or canceling school."The district's website said Thursday night, "Although there are extreme cold temperatures forecast for tomorrow morning, our schedule will NOT be adjusted and we will continue as a scheduled early dismissal."We ask that our students are appropriately dressed for the extreme conditions and accommodations and precautions are exercised. In the event your child is absent from school, the absence will be logged as EXCUSED as long as it in accompanied by a written excuse from the parent or guardian. If you have any questions, please call the building or our district office.""Thank you for your cooperation and consideration during this winter of never-ending weather-related delays!"It was signed by Brian J. Gasper, district superintendent.