Inside Snow Day Decisions with Todd Howell

The Education Blueprint with Dr. Jon Rysewyk

KCS Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and WBIR Chief Meteorologist Todd Howell discuss the science of winter forecasts and the strategy behind district snow day decisions.

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 meteorologist
• 10:00 - What makes East Tennessee weather forecasting unique
• 13:24 - Todd’s formula for snow in Knox County
• 15:40 - What happens in the WBIR news studio leading up to weather events
• 18:45 - The magic of salt and brine
• 21:58 - Who Sequoia Elementary 4th Grader Adalina thinks makes the snow day decisions for the district
• 23:57 - How KCS accumulates snow days
• 26:07 - How KCS snow day decisions are made
• 33:03 - How Sequoia Elementary 5th Grader Lucia helps make it snow
• 33:39 - Is it better to be first or right?
• 36:50 - Winter weather Old Wives’ Tales

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. Key Takeaways:

• How local topography affects East Tennessee weather patterns
• Summary of the decision-making process for school closures

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org
• Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms:
  • Facebook
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  • LinkedIn
  • X
  • YouTube
• Questions or show ideas? Email [e-mail].