Winter's Grip: School Delays Hit Southern Minnesota

Winter weather has made its presence known in southern Minnesota, causing a ripple effect on school schedules. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) has reported challenging travel conditions, prompting several school districts to adjust their plans for Monday, December 22nd, 2025. By 6:00 AM, MNDOT's road condition map painted a picture of slushy and icy roads across the region. This prompted a wave of decisions from local school districts. The common thread? A two-hour delay for the start of classes.Let's take a closer look at the affected areas. Dover-Eyota Public Schools, Goodhue Public Schools, and Hayfield Community Schools have all announced a two-hour delay. The list doesn't stop there. Pine Island Public Schools, Plainview-Elgin-Millville Community Schools, and Triton Public Schools are also starting classes two hours late. Wabasha-Kellogg Public Schools, Winona Area Public Schools, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools have followed suit. Why the delays? It's all about safety. When roads are slippery, it's harder for buses to navigate and for students to walk or bike to school. These delays give crews more time to clear roads and salt icy patches. It's a small change that can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.