Schools

Five Considerations for School Snow Days

Trying to divine what factors officials consider when closing schools on snowy days?

Sometimes those early morning messages that there's no school because of a storm—as happened last week—are easy to understand.

But sometimes parents have a harder time understanding. That was the case for Tuesday's schedule, when snow arrived later than expected, according to Acting Superintendent Cheryl Dyer.

"The timing of (the) snow was about an hour later than was forecast and that created some interesting problems," Dyer said at Tuesday's board of education meeting. She said some middle school buses were late for morning classes, and some staff members of students reported slipping on sidewalks later in the day.

The high school's Chorale concert scheduled for last night was not cancelled, but Dyer said teachers told the students it's understandable if they chose not to take to the roads.

Wednesday, Dyer distributed a letter to parents advising them of the process and factors considered for changing school hours, which involves other township officials as well.

Here are five factors she cited:

The forecast and the weather
"The weather conditions and forecasts are key variables in this decision.  I receive weather updates 2-3 times each day, especially when the forecast is for snow or severe weather."

Information on road conditions 
"Information on road conditions is made available to us from the Department of Public Works (DPW).  The staff communicates with our Manager of Buildings and Grounds."

The condition of facilities
"I speak directly with the manager of buildings and grounds to determine the condition of our facilities and to ensure that adequate staff will be available to tend to the facilities and ensure the safety of staff and students."

Transportation safety  
"I speak directly with the transportation coordinator – who has also coordinated with the DPW regarding road conditions and availability of buses and bus drivers.  I take into consideration that most of the students in the district are transported by bus and many of the roads are hilly and narrow."

What other districts are doing
"I collaborate with the superintendents of other districts in Somerset County."

Dyer added decisions about closings or delayed openings are usually made by 5 a.m., but sometimes are announced the night before, depending on conditions.


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