Inside Snow Day Decisions with Todd Howell

Curious about what really goes into cancelling school for snow?In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk teams up with WBIR Chief Meteorologist Todd Howell to pull back the curtain on the snow day decision-making process—from the first signs of snow to the final call.Whether you're hoping for a snow day or just fascinated by the science behind the forecast, discover how Knox County Schools balances weather data, student safety, and logistics to make the best decision for families. Plus, get a behind-the-green-screen look at meteorology as Todd reveals what it truly takes to predict the weather—and why it’s not as simple as it seems.04:45 - How Todd Howell became a meteorologist10:00 - What makes East Tennessee weather forecasting unique13:24 - Todd’s formula for snow in Knox County15:40 - What happens in the WBIR news studio leading up to weather events18:45 - The magic of salt and brine23:57 - How KCS accumulates snow days26:07 - How KCS snow day decisions are made33:03 - How Sequoia Elementary 5th Grader Lucia helps make it snow <- prentice adding in the other student's clip as timestamp as well33:39 - Is it better to be first or right?36:50 - Winter weather Old Wives’ TalesKey Takeaways:How local topography affects East Tennessee weather patternsSummary of the decision-making process for school closuresLinks & Resources:Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org-For more information on Knox County Schools'weather policy Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXYouTubeQuestions or show ideas? Email [email protected]. Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022.Todd Howell is a seasoned meteorologist with over three decades of experience delivering accurate and engaging weather forecasts. Growing up in Gaffney, South Carolina, Todd’s passion for weather began in elementary school, eventually leading him to pursue a Master's degree in Geoscience from Mississippi State University’s renowned Broadcast Meteorology program. Since joining WBIR-TV in 1993, Todd has become a trusted voice in East Tennessee, serving as Chief Meteorologist since 1996. A member of the National Weather Association, Todd is dedicated to helping viewers navigate the unpredictable world of weather. Follow Todd Howell on Instagram @toddhowell10 and @10weather on X.