How do school leaders decide whether to close school or delay the day?

By John Paul, Weekend Anchor and Reporter,
Published On: Feb 20 2013 10:12:34 AM CST

With most of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley under a winter storm warning, how do school officials decide whether to close school or delay the day? 

They start by keeping an eye on the forecast. 

Usually, the school transportation supervisor will rise early to drive around and check the conditions. 

The supervisor will have their eye on two things: Can the buses get students to and from school safely, and what are the routes like in rural areas?

Then they'll make the call. 

"They get out on the roads around 4:30, 5 in the morning to see how they look," said Rick Schaeffer, Spokesperson for Springdale Schools. "If there is any question that buses can travel, they'll make the call as early as possible." 

School leaders never close or delay school on the forecast alone. 

"They'll look at the forecast, but they will never cancel school because of a forecast," said Schaeffer. "The actual bad weather will have to come in." 


blog comments powered by Disqus