Emergency School Closure Info

The Board also believes that the health and safety of students and staff  is of paramount importance and recognizes that schools may have to be closed temporarily at times for any of several reasons, including the following:

-  Inclement weather
-  Power outage
-  Failure of heating or water services
-  Emergency health issues
 - Other emergency situations.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools, or designate, to close schools by reason of weather emergencies or for other causes that might endanger the health or safety of students and staff.

Schools Not in Session
The Transportation Manager, in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools and the Operations and Maintenance Manager, may decide not to run the morning bus routes due to hazardous conditions.
Changes in bus operations or school closures shall be communicated to media outlets, who usually make such announcements between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. [see sidebar on left for station locations].

Emergency Early Dismissal
Each school shall have an established plan by which parents can be notified in the event of an early closure.

In those situations during the school day where an emergent situation arises or weather conditions deteriorate significantly enough that a principal has concerns for local road conditions in their school zone, the principal should contact the Superintendent of Schools.  It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to notify the principal as soon as it becomes apparent that school emergency closure will be necessary.

When an emergent situation occurs after school has begun it may be prudent for students to be dismissed.  On such occasions the Superintendent of Schools shall activate radio broadcasts which notify parents that schools will be closed early and some or all bus schedules have been advanced.

If a school bus driver is unable to complete their normal bus run, the driver is expected to ensure the safety of students.  Before students disembark, the driver should consider the age of the students, the weather and road conditions, the number of houses along the road and other factors related to safety.  Where the bus driver considers it too hazardous to permit students to disembark, the students will be transported to a place of shelter, such as a school or other supervised public building until arrangements can be made with parents for acceptable transportation.