How Does the District Decide to Close School?

People often ask, How does the District decide to close school? Although the actual decision is very complex, the process is rather straightforward.

“The decision to close school is based solely on the safety of our students and staff”, said Dr. Richard Drury, Superintendent. The analysis usually begins the day before as weather forecasts portend potentially dangerous conditions. The superintendent and the assistant superintendent for business operations monitor the forecasts, radar, and weather conditions throughout the night, not only staying in contact with the National Weather Service, but actually checking the weather within the District 200.

By 4:00 am the superintendent personally drives around the District to assess the road and weather conditions. The assistant superintendent also travels the District and is in contact with the bus company to determine if drivers are able to get to the terminal, the availability of the busses, and how route times might be affected. He checks with building and grounds staff throughout the District to monitor specific conditions at various buildings. By 5:00 am, the superintendent joins a conference call with other area superintendents to obtain firsthand information about weather patterns that may be moving in our direction. The superintendents share their observations and perspectives and discuss their intentions about opening or closing schools. If the decision is made to close District 200, Dr. Drury calls the director of communications who notifies the Emergency Closing Center (the Center provides closing information to all the media outlets), initiates the automated phone calls and emails to parents and staff, and notifies private and parochial schools of our decision.

Factors that influence the decision include the amount of snow anticipated and on the ground, road conditions, temperature and wind chill, bus availability and potential schedule delays, and the arrival time and projected duration of weather conditions.