School districts take the decision to delay, close, or dismiss school early due to inclement weather conditions very seriously.

Because the most important consideration when making the decision to delay, cancel, or dismiss school early is the safety of students, several individuals, agencies, and factors are taken into account when deciding if districts can safely transport children to and from school.

Educational leaders monitor weather temperatures and weather conditions, information from the national and local weather services, and often times drive several routes throughout the district to study first-hand the conditions of both primary and secondary roadways.

Districts also take into account winter weather advisories and extreme cold and winter storm warnings. County and municipal road crews are contacted to assess road conditions and the extent to which roads will be safe to travel at the time students are to be transported.

Please rest assured that the ability to safely transport all students to and from school is the primary determinant for delaying, closing, or dismissing school early.

It is also important to keep in mind that some school districts cover a larger land mass than others, and while weather conditions may appear favorable in some areas of the district, conditions may be concerning in other areas.

Few vehicles are safer than buses with professional drivers in winter driving conditions. However, if it is determined that districts cannot safely transport children to and/or from school, schools will be delayed, closed, or dismissed early.

Every school district has its own notification plan in place to communicate inclement weather decisions to its school community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the procedures in place for the school districts in which their children attend.

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.