All Peoria Public Schools and the Bradley University campus will be closed Friday, in response to the extreme cold forecast for the region.
District 150 announced its closure Thursday morning, noting the dangerously cold temperatures and severe wind chills, with the National Weather Service [NWS] issuing an Extreme Cold Warning.
PPS says school and administrative offices will remain open for staff.
The district says student safety remains the top priority.
“More than 4,600 of our students walk to school and more than 6,300 wait outdoors for transportation each day. In these extreme temperatures, even brief exposure can be dangerous. Closing schools is the safest choice for our community,” Superintendent Sharon Kherat said in a news release.
Classes and regular district operations are expected to resume Monday. The missed school day will be made up on May 26.
Families and staff are encouraged to stay indoors, dress accordingly if travel is needed, and monitor district communications for updates.
Bradley's campus closure announcement came through an alert sent via its "ForeWarn" messaging system. The message said classes should move to remote learning at the already scheduled times.
Illinois Central College also announced Friday will be a remote learning day, with campuses closed and classes shifted to virtual instruction. Student services are available online and by phone.
