ESD Families:
With the month of November upon us, it is a good time to share with families the process we take to determine the need to close schools as a result of inclement weather. When inclement weather is in the forecast, the school district relies upon various resources to make decisions to (1) remain open, (2) delay the start of school, or (3) close schools.
The following information is considered when determining to keep schools open or close for the day because of weather:
Information from Go Riteway representatives regarding their recommendations based on road conditions.
Buses running routes at a slower pace have an impact on the length of time students may be waiting at bus stops, especially younger students. Parents driving their children to school in poor driving conditions and high school age students with little driving experience being on the roads.
Conversation with our maintenance/custodial team to ensure the parking lots can be plowed and sidewalks cleared in a timely manner to ensure they are safe for use.
Wind strength impacting the blowing and drifting of snow and/or wind chill temperatures. School will automatically be closed if an extreme cold warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (-30 or colder). If a cold weather advisory has been issued (-20 or colder) consideration for closing or delaying school will be given, but not guaranteed.
Number of inches of projected snowfall.
Any one or a combination of the above may warrant closing schools. What may appear to be a simple decision, the process truly includes many variables for consideration. The safety of our students and staff is the school district's top priority so we must balance typical winter weather conditions and those that are more extreme. Yet, I also realize that school delays and cancellations can impact childcare and parents' work situations. Because of this:
I will do my best to inform parents and staff the night prior to a cancellation or delay if we have enough information to make that decision before 9pm.
If a decision is made in the morning, parents and staff will be notified through email, text, and the website banner before 6am.
The district has the option to send students home early, however, I am fully aware of the stress that places on parents between childcare and work. I will only use that option if road conditions will be hazardous later in the day (at the time of dismissal).
As a parent/guardian, if at any point you do not feel comfortable sending your child to school as a result of inclement weather, please do not hesitate to make a decision to keep them home.
Delay/Cancelation Notifications:
The District also utilizes a phone messaging system that will call the phone number(s) schools have on file for each student.
The District will share delay/cancellation information with the following area media outlets:
Channel 3
Channel 15
Channel 27
WKCH/FM 106.5
WFAW/AM 940
WCLO AM 1230/FM 92.7/FM 99.9
WSLD/FM 104.5
Additionally, you can log-on to the following media websites:
Additional School Closure Considerations:
Over 50% of Edgerton’s students are transported on any given day. If buses can’t run and/or drivers aren’t available, all schools will be closed.
Absence due to an inoperable bus route is excusable and tardiness because of a late bus run is an excusable absence.
4K Specific Outcomes:
Given weather impacts and timing, we may operate all schools except AM and PM sessions of four-year-old kindergarten.
In the event of a late start, both AM and PM sessions of four-year-old kindergarten will be canceled.
The district has the option to send students home early, however, I am fully aware of the stress that places on parents between childcare and work. I will only use that option if road conditions will be hazardous later in the day (at the time of dismissal). A decision to dismiss school early because of inclement weather must be made as swiftly as possible. This allows time to locate bus drivers and to air announcements so younger children aren’t dropped off at unsupervised residences. If a decision can’t be made before noon, it is of little or no value to dismiss school early.
In some instances, school may be dismissed 15 minutes early so drivers needing to travel more slowly can maintain approximately the same schedule. This will not be announced on TV, radio, or websites.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Stay safe, Tiders!
-Tad Wehner, Superintendent