The inclement weather season is now upon us. Our district staff understands that our decision to open or close schools early in bad weather can have a big effect on families. We also understand that our students are better served – both academically and socially – by being in school. As always, our top priority is the safety of our students.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?
Please understand that we make the decision to open or close schools in inclement weather based on careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:
► Road conditions. We rely on information regarding road conditions from RPS transportation staff and the Richmond Police Department.We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district. Even if your street looks clear, travel elsewhere in the school system may be dangerous. Also, we must consider that some high school students drive to school.
► Amount of ice (or snow) accumulated
► If precipitation is continuing
► Building conditions (i.e. electricity and heat)
► Parking lot conditions. Administrators consult maintenance and custodial staff members who are responsible for clearing and treating school parking lots and sidewalks.
► Temperature and wind chill. Please remember that some of our students walk to school and some must wait outside for the bus.
► Weather predictions. We prefer to avoid making our decision based on weather predictions, which are not always accurate. However, sometimes this is unavoidable.
► Neighboring school districts. When possible, we will also share information with other local districts and confirm their opening or closing.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The Superintendent of Schools makes the final decision based on the above factors and recommendations from the Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, who consults with the Director of Transportation and facilities department supervisors.
INCLEMENT WEATHER MAKE-UP DAYS
RPS’ school calendar generally includes a number of inclement weather days with the anticipation of possible weather closing. The administration, in consultation with the School Board, will make a decision regarding the continuation of the established school calendar or the extension of the school year, if necessary, to comply with state law and/or to support teaching and learning needs. This decision will be based upon the number of days and consideration of instructional needs to ensure the maximum learning opportunities for our students.
HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
The district will utilize multiple avenues to communicate any changes in school schedules due to inclement weather. An announcement will be made through the following sources as soon as the decision is made: district website, Facebook, Twitter, mobile app and local television stations - WTVR–TV 6, WRIC – TV 8 and WWBT – TV 12. When appropriate, based upon the time of day, RPS will also communicate via the ParentLink communication system. As a result, it is important to make sure your contact information is up to date.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
We will normally make the decision by 5:00 a.m. or earlier in order to notify local media and post the decision on the RPS website.
WHAT DECISIONS WILL BE MADE?
Based upon the best available information we will make one of the following choices regarding school/office opening, delay or closure:
1) All schools and offices will open on time.
2) Schools and offices will be closed.
3) Schools will be closed; select or all offices will be open (on time or late opening).
4) One-Hour Delayed Opening
5) Two-Hour Delayed Opening
6) Early Dismissal and/or Schools Closing Early
WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL EARLY IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?
Please keep in mind that even if weather conditions worsen during the day we are reluctant to reverse our decision or close school early due to the possibility of endangering students. Once we make the decision to open schools, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If we then send students back home many will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty homes. If conditions continue to worsen during the school day we may need to have an early dismissal.
Although my staff and I do our absolute best in this process, we know that no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether he or she should attend. If your child will not be attending, please follow the attendance protocol and notify your child’s school. Also, discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen.
We hope that this explanation helps everyone understand the process that our district staff uses to make the best possible decision.
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