In February 2020 heavy storm gusts were forecast for all of North Rhine-Westphalia. The state’s school ministry explained who decides what. Demnach entscheiden die Eltern, ob der Schulweg zumutbar und sicher ist. The parents decide whether the way to school is reasonable and safe. If lessons end early, the school must look after the students who are present. Über eine etwaige Schulschließung entscheidet der Schulträger. The school’s operator decides whether to close the school. After the extreme winter weather of January 2026, the ministry of education in Hesse set out the same division. The school leadership decides, together with the operator, usually the town or district, whether classes in the building are cancelled. Parents dürfen selbst entscheiden, ob der Weg zumutbar ist, may decide for themselves whether the way is reasonable. If they keep their child at home, they must tell the school through the usual channels.