Dave. The main reasons school close now is because, many teachers dont live within the local community where the school is, but miles away, so no other way to get there other than drive. I remember back in the 60/70s many teachers walked or cycle to school, same as the kids. Some teachers walked too, and back from school with kids, until diverting down there own street, and house. Then you have parents now that dont want their kids going to their local school for whatever reason, but choose one a few miles away. All in all, the schools close because getting there needs some sort of transport, hence the traffic jams, more so when snow hits.