In north dakota they allow OUTSIDE recess unless the temp is below zero. (not the wind chill) and kids will go to school. In my local area once the wind chill hits -30 they consider closing. its too risky for frostbite to get the little ones too and fro.

I think it totally depends on where you live and what your area is accustomed to. Like ND if you are rugged and expect such weather, its just anther day in paradise. If you like in KY and are not used to such things, of course they need to worry.

I remember trudging to school with snow up to my waist, and no one to escort us, cause the bus wasnt running, and we needed to get there. Of course I was less than 4 feet tall, so 2 foot of snow fall was half my height! We used to be turned out at dawn, and told to be back when the street lights came on. We didnt have bus monitors, or security guards on each corner to protect us from ourselves. Today its expensive to get a kid to the school because they need transportation, a monitor, a cheerleader, a lunch lady, and an advisor followed by a body guard and a security detail. This is expensive and the kid hasnt touched a single piggy on school grounds yet.