Inclement Weather: School Closing Information

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(Memo Updated 10/15/2012)

WHO IS WATCHING THE WEATHER?
The superintendent and administrative staff carefully watch the weather conditions during seasons of possible inclement weather.

WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION?
Our school district staff listen to the weather forecasts. The director of transportation tests the road conditions on our bus routes beginning at 3:30-4 a.m. We also contact the local law enforcement about road conditions. We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous bus routes in the district. So, even if it looks clear on your street, dangerous conditions may exist in other parts of our district.

WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO CLOSE SCHOOL?
The safety of all Cobb County children is our primary concern in making our decision. In deciding whether children will be safe, we look at the following factors:

  • Information on road conditions from the director of transportation and from law enforcement, including whether roads are icy;
  • Time snow or ice starts and the amount;
  • Weather predictions;
  • Building conditions (e.g., whether schools have power and heat);
  • Parking lot conditions;
  • Temperature and wind-chill.

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The superintendent of schools is responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the district staff.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The decision is made by 5:30 a.m., except in the situations when inclement weather may force school closings during the school day, so that radio and TV stations can be notified.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
When the decision is made to close school, details will be posted immediately on the school district web site. Additionally, the school district will begin notifying parents using the automated calling system, but that process may take up to three hours to complete. The District also provides closing information to local news media outlets, including:

TELEVISION STATIONS RADIO STATIONS
WSB-TV (Channel 2) WSB (750 AM)
WAGA-TV (Channel 5) WSRV (97.1 FM)
WXIA-TV (Channel 11) WGST (640 AM)
WGCL-TV (Channel 46) WKHX (101.5 FM)
  WYAY (106.7 FM)
  STAR 94 (94.1 FM)
  WAZX (1550 AM)

WHAT IF SCHOOL CLOSES DURING THE DAY?
Parents should make sure that their child’s teacher has on file a written explanation of what the student should do in the event that school closes during the day. If school closes during the day all students will be sent home on their regular bus or daycare van unless other directions are on file. It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned in directions under such circumstances.