Inclement Weather-School Closing/Delay/Early Dismissal Decisions
In New England, the winter weather can be a challenge. I often get questions as to what factors are considered when determining whether or not we will have a delay or school closure. The safety of our students and staff is always our first priority. Every attempt is made to operate the schools. However, in our judgment, whenever it is not safe to operate the buses, schools will be delayed or closed based on conditions and forecasts.
Factors that are considered are the timing of the storm, severity, temperature (which affects the effectiveness of the road treatments and potential for black ice), length of the storm, and total accumulation amounts. The clean-up or residual effects of the storm are also a factor in the decision-making.
Here is the general decision-making format that is followed:
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All of the Western Connecticut school districts contract with a meteorologist. The meteorologist provides us with a detailed description of the weather, timing, and potential impact on our communities.
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To determine the impact on the decision to delay, close, or have an early dismissal, on the morning of the weather event, I consult with both the Highway Department of the Town of Bethel to determine road conditions and their ability to ensure safe conditions and with our Supervisor of Facility & Security Operations to determine the school campus conditions and the ability to ensure safe conditions within the school campus.
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Next, I join a conference call (4:25 AM) with all of the area Superintendents and the meteorologist to receive a weather update and regional impact and each district indicates their plan for the day.
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Then I contact our Supervisor of Facilities & Security Operations, the Principal of St. Mary’s School, and my Assistant to get the message out (via social media, emails, text messages, TV & Radio).
As you are aware, we try to make decisions as early as possible. If we know that there will be a significant impact, I try and give families as much notice as possible, often the night before but at times the weather is unpredictable and we need to revise plans based on conditions. While the system is not perfect and I sometimes get it wrong, it is very comprehensive and I try to err on the side of caution.
Also, please be sure to be prepared and develop alt. plans for weather-related school closings, delays, and early dismissals and discuss the alt. plans with your children.
Want to be the first to know when school is delayed or canceled in bad weather? Follow me on Twitter at: @BethelCTSuper or on Facebook at: Bethel Public Schools