Fall is here. The leaves have changed colors and are on the ground. Temperatures are falling and there has been a mention of the possibility of “light snow” or a “wintery mix” in the near future. All of these are signs that winter is on its way, and with winter there is the potential for weather related school closings and delays.
Superintendents do not like winter. Closing school due to inclement weather is one of the more difficult and controversial tasks superintendents must undertake. In such decisions the safety students and employees is always first.
So, how are weather related school closings and delays determined?
Monitoring several internet websites and local news for short and long term forecasts is an ongoing process, however making school closing or delay decisions on a forecast is not always the best action for weather is not a precise science.
Conversations with the sheriff’s office, state transportation, and transportation staff to assess road conditions must take place early enough to make a closing or delay decision by 6:00 AM. Occasionally, a 2-hour delay opening becomes a closing. Such a change must be made by 8:00 AM. If weather and road conditions are known and warrant a closing or delay, a decision is made the night before.
The SchoolMessenger notification system is launched to notify parents, students, and staff of a delay or closing by phone, e-mail and/or test message. The notification process includes four attempts to complete phone calls. If a number is busy, the system will try three more times. It is important that parents notify schools of updated contact information and notification preferences.
Radio (WCHG 107.1) and television stations (WDBJ 7 and WSLS 10) are notified as well.
Occasionally, school closings or delays are made for reasons other than weather. The SchoolMessenger system may announce a closing due to other emergency situations - electricity outages, water problems, or heating problems.
Again, school decisions to close or delay school are taken seriously and are often difficult to make, but will always err on the side of safety.
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