January 15, 2009 -- You might think that on days like today, a superintendent’s phone never stops ringing. Across the metro, most school districts remained open, yet we’re experiencing another day of extreme sub-zero temperatures. Understandably, some parents (and most children!) were hoping for school to be cancelled. But despite some disappointed families, I’ve found that most of our families have come to expect – and even rely on – our schools remaining open whenever it’s possible.
I’d like to share the process that goes into determining when to keep schools open and when to cancel classes. Every situation is a bit different, but typically, this is how bad weather turns into a snow day.
An early-morning decision
As early as 2 or 3 a.m. during poor weather conditions or bitter cold, our contracted bus company, First Student, is outside checking street conditions throughout our district’s seven communities. Between 3 and 5 a.m., First Student gives our transportation manager a safety assessment of school bus routes. Shortly thereafter, the transportation manager gives me this information for a decision. Often times, area superintendents will exchange information and share decisions. If all the information I receive indicates that our streets are not safe for buses, or that our buses will not operate dependably, then I make the decision to cancel school for the day.
Calling all families
Next, we would share the news by sending a recorded voice mail message to our families and staff through our new Mounds View Messaging phone system. Our communication department would post an announcement on our web site (www.moundsviewschools.org) and on our cable channel 20. Finally, we would notify our local media outlets. It’s very important to note that if you do not see or hear official news of a school closing, then school is considered “on as usual.” The assumption should always be that schools are open unless you would hear differently.
Parents’ judgment
Of course, I want to urge all adults to exercise their best judgment. If a parent believes it’s unsafe to transport their child to school, I encourage them to keep their child at home. On bitter cold days like today, it’s common for our buses to run a bit late as many families choose to keep their children inside the warm home to wait for the bus, rather than waiting for the bus outside at the curb.
Snow day or no snow day, we can always expect a fair number of phone calls from those who disagree with the decision. I can assure you that all decisions are made with one factor in mind - the safety of our students based on information from a variety of sources. Despite Minnesota’s reputation for fierce winter weather, I’m proud that our schools have a solid record for keeping schools open - and more importantly - for getting our students to schools safely in good weather and in bad.
