EMERGENCY CLOSINGS RULES AND
REGULATIONS
Weather conditions throughout the district are not uniform. Some rural
roads may be impassable while city streets are clear. In some cases, it
may be feasible to close one or two small schools because of weather
conditions while keeping other schools open. However, if district
attendance falls below 75%, the day is not counted for state aid
purposes and must be made up by the entire district.
The decision to close
shall be based on the best information on conditions in the district and
if neighboring districts determine that they will close, it does not
follow that our district schools will also close.
School closings shall
be announced over radio stations WHFB-FM (99.9) and WSJM-AM (1400).
Factors that determine the need for school
closings include:
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The intensity of the storm over a
short period of time;
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The intensity of the wind creating
a harsh wind-chill that ranges near or below zero;
-
An expectation that the storm's
intensity may not subside during the hours school is in session;
-
The actual condition of the roads
prohibiting the safe transport of students on school buses;
-
Severe ice conditions; and/or
-
An expectation that county and
municipal road crews will not be able to maintain or have not plowed
roads so that safe travel by bus can be expected.
Procedures for assessing weather conditions
and making announcements:
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The Group Director of Operations
and Facilities shall evaluate all information and notify the
Superintendent with a recommendation.
-
The Superintendent or designee
shall evaluate all reports and make a decision by 5:30 a.m. and inform
the media.
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If closings occur, the radio
announcements shall serve as official notification to all students,
district employees, and private and parochial schools for which the
district provides transportation.
-
Principals shall advise students,
parents, and staff to listen to the local radio stations for official
announcements concerning closings. (Calls to the radio stations or to
school officials are to be discouraged.)
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It should be understood that if
road or weather conditions become extreme after the normal 5:30 a.m.
announcement time, it may be necessary to cancel school after bus runs
have commenced. If this is done, drivers shall be notified by radio
insofar as possible and students who have been delivered to the
schools shall be returned to their drop-off points. This decision
shall be made by the Superintendent and the radio stations shall be
informed.
