Inclement Weather

Posted Date: 07/18/2019

INCLEMENT WEATHER

One of the most difficult decisions I make each year is to close school due to bad weather. As the winter season is upon us, our district staff understands that our decision to open or close schools in bad weather has a big effect on families. We also understand our students are better served both academically and socially by being in school. But as always, our top priority is the safety of our students.

HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION
The decision to open or close school in bad weather is made either in the evening before or early the next morning. The decision is based on the following factors:
 

1. One of the major problems we face in bad weather is whether or not we have electricity or not. If the power is off, I try to stay in contact with the electric company. Most generally the electric company can estimate a time they will have the power back on so we can go ahead and plan school for the day.
2. I have several people I call to gather information on road conditions, such as area superintendents.
3. Amount of snow and ice accumulated
4. Temperature and wind chill
5. What other schools are doing
6. Weather predictions

WHO MAKES THE DECISION  
As superintendent of schools, I am responsible for the final decision based on the above factors.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED  
Every student will be given a list of the media who will be notified. Those media are:    Channels 4, 5, & 9   Radio stations—94.3, 95.5, 105.9
 
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE
I start checking the road conditions around 4:30 the morning of the storm. Considering all of the above factors, I try to make a decision by around 6:00, keeping in mind that most parents are going to work and need to know as soon as possible.

WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN  
It is important to keep in mind that even if weather conditions worsen, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning without endangering students. Once we make the decision to open the schools, many parents rely on the decision and leave for work. If we then send students right back home, many will return to empty homes. If conditions get worse during the school day, we may need to have an early dismissal, but we will give adequate notice to all parents first.

Although my staff and I do our absolute best in these processes, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether or not he or she should attend. Also discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen.

I hope this explanation helps everyone understand the process our district uses to make the best possible decision for all in our district.

Mrs. Jill Henderson
Superintendent of Schools
Canute Public School