NORTH SANPETE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Creating Conditions for Learning So All Students Can Succeed

NORTH SANPETE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Creating Conditions for Learning So All Students Can Succeed

Lucky Duck Recipients

VII-19: Emergency Closing


North Sanpete School District
Statement of .............

Board Policy with Guidelines

Policy Number: VII-19
Effective Date: 12/16/1982
Revised Date:


PDF Download


Subject: Emergency Closing


BOARD


The Superintendent is empowered to close the district schools or to dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies which threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. Such action is never to be taken lightly, for public education is one of the principal functions of the community and should be maintained at a normal level except in extreme circumstances. When this regularity of operation ceases, serious difficulties are caused and the welfare of children may be jeopardized. Schools may not properly be closed merely to avoid inconvenience. While it may be prudent, under certain circumstances, to excuse all students from attending school, to delay the opening hour, or to dismiss students early, the administration has the responsibility to see that as much of the administrative, supervisory, and operational activity is continued as may be possible. Therefore, if conditions affect only a single school, only that school shall be closed.


GUIDELINES


  1. In making the decision to close schools, the superintendent or his or her designee shall consider many factors, including the following principal ones relating to the fundamental concern for the safety and health of children.
  2. Weather conditions, both existing and predicted.
  3. Driving, traffic, and parking conditions, affecting public and private transportation facilities.
  4. Actual occurrence or imminent possibility of any emergency condition which would make the operation of schools difficult or dangerous.
  5. Inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which might result in inadequate supervision of students.
  6. The Superintendent shall weight these factors and shall take action to close the schools only after consultation with traffic and weather authorities, local principals, and school officials from neighboring districts. Students, parents, and staff shall be informed early in each school year of the procedures which will be used to notify them in case of emergency closing. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, maintenance staff members shall comply with Board policy in reporting for work.
  7. If it becomes necessary to close school before the regular closing time, such information will be announced over radio station KMTI. Parents may expect their children to arrive home before the regular arrival time.
  8. If a severe blizzard, heavy snow storm, or ice or mechanical problems occurs during the night, and such conditions are known by 7:00 a.m. a "no school" announcement will be made over radio station KMTI.


Share by: