SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The winter season is upon us. Our district administration, faculty, and staff understand that our decision to open or close schools during inclement weather has a big effect on families. We also understand that our students are better served – both academically and socially – by being in school.  But, as always, our top priority is the safety of our students.

HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?

Please understand that we make the decision to open or close the schools in bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

• Information on road conditions from transportation staff and from local law    enforcement and road crews.  We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district; they can be treacherous even if your street looks clear.
• Amount of snow and ice accumulated.
• Whether precipitation will continue throughout the day.
• Temperature and wind chill. Wind chills at or below -15F during key walking and waiting for bus times are given special consideration.
• Weather predictions (including those from a weather alert service).
• Storm Timing
• Building conditions (such as whether they have electricity and heat).
• Parking lot conditions.
   

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?

As superintendent of schools, I am ultimately responsible for the final decision based on the above factors and recommendations from the Director of Transportation and the Director of Building Facilities.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

We strive to make the decision to close by 5:45 a.m. or earlier so we can notify radio and TV stations.  Keep in mind that unusual weather conditions may force us to make the decision after this time. Please stay tuned to the media and communication outlets listed at the bottom of this article.

WILL WE DELAY THE START OF SCHOOL?

Delaying the decision to start school is difficult not only for the district, but for the families of our students as well.  Because of this, delays are used infrequently.  In the event a school delay is called, parents and guardians must be prepared to have alternate plans ready for the supervision of their children during the “waiting” period of the delay.  A maximum two-hour delay will require the district to make a school closing decision by no later than 7:45 am.  Children will be expected to be at their respective bus stops and school building locations approximately one or two hours later than originally scheduled (based upon the type of delay reported).  Please monitor the TV and radio stations closely during this period of time for any change in closing status.

WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?

Even if weather conditions worsen, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning without endangering students. Once we make the decision to open the schools, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If we then send students right back home, many will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty houses. If conditions get worse during the school day, we may need to have an early dismissal, but we will give as much notice as possible through the previously mentioned stations.

Although my staff and I do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel that it is safe for your child to get to school, use your best judgment whether or not he or she should attend. Also, please discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives as weather conditions worsen.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

Tune to - TV channels NBC (3), ABC (5), WUAB (6), FOX (8), Clear Picture (9) or FM radio stations WHBC (94.1), WQMX (94.9), WGAR (99.5), WQKT (104.5), KISS (104.9), WCRF (103.3), MIX (106.5) or AM station WTAM (1100). -- for up-to-date information on school closings.  Do not call the school or bus garage unless it is an emergency.

HOW MANY DAYS CAN WE TAKE?

School districts receive up to five calamity days per school year.  Schools will be required to make-up any days over the allotted five set by the State Department of Education.  Wooster City Schools have set June 4^th, June 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, and June 10^th as make-up days for the 2009-2010 school year.

We hope that this explanation helps everyone understand the process we use in making the safest possible decision for all students and staff in our district.

Michael Tefs, Superintendent/CEO

For Up-To-Date school closing info tune to:

Website:
www.wooster.k12.oh.us
(Closing information will be posted immediately)