Snow Day/Inclement Weather - How is the decision made?
SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
With the winter season now upon us, we thought it to be important to share with our families the factors that are involved in our decision-making process when we choose to close our schools due to weather conditions. Our District administration, faculty, and staff understand that our decision to open or close schools during inclement weather has a big effect on our families, thus we take this decision seriously as our top priority is the safety of our students and staff.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?
Well before sunrise, I along with members of our Administrative team drive across the District to assess the road surface conditions throughout Sylvania. In addition to this assessment, we make the decision to open or close the schools in bad weather based on a careful analysis of a variety of other relevant factors, such as:
Information on road conditions from transportation staff, 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/or ice accumulated
Whether precipitation will continue throughout the day
Temperature as well as wind chills at or below -18F
Weather predictions (including those from a weather alert service)
Storm timing
Building conditions (such as whether they have electricity and heat)
Parking lot conditions
Q: WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
A: As Superintendent, I am ultimately responsible for the final decision based on the above factors and recommendations from the other Directors across the District such as Facilities, Operations, Transportation, and Technology.
Q: WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
A: We strive to make the decision to delay or close by 5:45 a.m. or earlier when possible. Keep in mind that unusual weather conditions may force us to make the decision after this time.
Q: WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?
A: Even if the weather conditions worsen, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning without endangering students. Once we make the decision to open schools, many parents rely on this decision and leave for work. If we then send students back home, many will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty houses.
Q: HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
A:
Q: CAN THERE BE A TRANSPORTATION DELAY/CANCELLATION DURING A NON-SCHOOL DAY FOR SYLVANIA SCHOOLS?
A: Yes. Our district provides transportation for some students who live within our boundaries and attend nonpublic schools. It is our responsibility to safely transport students, and when the conditions are not safe, we are not able to provide transportation. In the case that Sylvania Schools does not have school (winter break, other non-school days), the news stations would report that Sylvania Schools is not providing transportation for that day.
Q: IF SCHOOL IS CANCELED, ARE AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS CANCELED, TOO?
A: Elementary & Junior High - Yes.
High School - A decision will be made and communication will be sent by 1:00 p.m. by the principals regarding after school athletics and activities.
Q: WILL SCHOOL REOPEN IF THERE IS A 2-HOUR DELAY?
A: When a 2-hour delay is announced - If there is a decision to close for the day, a communication will be sent by 7:45 a.m. If there is no further communication by 7:45 a.m, the District will operate on a 2-hour delay.
Although my staff and I do our absolute best in this process, we know that our NW Ohio weather patterns are unpredictable. If you do not feel that it is safe for your child to get to school, use your best judgment whether or not he/she should attend. Also, please discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives as weather conditions worsen.
Sincerely,
Dr. Veronica Motley