Chicago Public Schools will be in session Thursday, a spokesman said, while a slew of suburban schools delayed start times or canceled class outright.
The entire Chicago area is under a Wind Chill Advisory beginning Wednesday night as the city faces plummeting wind chill values that could drop as low as 30 below zero.
"Our highest priority is the safety of students and staff, and we are closely monitoring the weather to help ensure that holding class is in the best interest of students,” Michael Passman, a CPS spokesman told NBC 5. “Based on the current forecast, school will be in session tomorrow, and multiple CPS departments are working to ensure schools are prepared for a safe and successful school day."
School engineers will ensure their heating systems are running properly first thing Thursday so buildings are adequately heated in time for the arrival of students and staff.
Buses will be started early to ensure they are at a comfortable temperature for students and staff.
Normal safety and security resources, including Safe Passage, will be in operation, CPS confirmed.
