2-Hour Delay Schedule
We will assess a number of factors in an effort to determine when to cancel school for inclement weather. The rank-order of importance is the following:
- Wind chill factor
- Ability to safely transport students to and from school
- Combination of factors
- Actions taken by surrounding school districts
Wind Chill
The National Weather Service indicates frostbite of exposed skin is likely to occur within thirty (30) minutes when wind chills range from minus eighteen (-18) and minus thirty-three (-33) degrees. Students walking to and from school, or waiting for a bus, are most at risk in these conditions. Therefore, if the wind chills are anticipated to be within the above range before and/or after school, we will cancel school.
Transportation Safety
If our roads, in particular bus routes, are believed to be hazardous to travel during pick-up and/or drop-off periods, we will cancel school.
Combination of Factors
In some cases, the wind chill may be low, but not within the dangerous range—however, our roads may have questionable conditions. If these factors combine to create unsafe transportation conditions, we will cancel school on that day.
Surrounding School Districts
When weather conditions are suspect, and neighboring school districts cancel their school, our likelihood of closing dramatically increases. Close proximity to neighboring schools and the perception of safety may deter all students from attending school – even if we remain open. Low attendance rates affect funding, instruction, and learning. It is not a wise use of time and resources if this scenario is likely to happen.
Closing Information
When we must cancel school, we will provide local media outlets with our decision at the earliest possible moment. It is wise to check multiple sources and not rely on one single method. Below is a list of the media sources in which we will provide information:
- Automated phone call from the school district
- Television – All local stations
- Radio – All local stations
- Electronic – Website and Social Media
Evening Events
On the first day school is canceled, the evening events for that night will also be canceled. If, however, there are consecutive days of school missed due to weather, only the first night will be canceled automatically. The remaining nights will be determined individually by:
- Local road and weather conditions
- Road and weather conditions from the opposing school district
The decision to cancel an evening event will be made by 3:00 pm whenever possible and will be communicated by the electronic methods above and via coaches, directors, and/or sponsors.
Final Comments
The process of making these decisions is not taken lightly. We will make the most practical and thoughtful decisions with the best and most current information. Ultimately, our decision will most likely never be received with 100% support. A task on which we will NEVER take a chance is the safety of our students. We will always error on the side of keeping your family members off dangerous roadways.