FAIRVIEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
2201 MAIN ST. ASHLAND, KY. 41102
PHONE 606-326-8162
—Director of Transportation
With winter bearing down upon us, any superintendent or transportation director will tell you that one of his/her most difficult decisions is whether to close, delay, or open school on days of inclement weather. It is a hard decision because it is based upon the probability of safely transporting our students. The process often begins at 4:00 a.m. or earlier with several district personnel and weather spotters strategically located throughout the county traveling the roads to check on conditions. During this time, district officials are in consistent contact with county officials, law enforcement agencies and local new media for the latest update on the weather. Because this decision is made rather early, there may be a need to make a revision later in the morning due to rapidly changing weather conditions. It is important for parents to continue checking television and radio stations after the initial announcement, in the event weather conditions dictate a change. Although we realize these decisions are subject to second-guessing, all decisions are based solely upon the safety of our children, and we will always err on the side of caution.
WHAT FACTORS GO INTO MAKING THE DECISION TO CLOSE/DELAY/EARLY DISMISS SCHOOL?
1. Weather forecasts from radio and television stations (Time snow/ice or freezing rain is expected to start and end)
2. Predicted amount of snow/ice accumulation
3. Weather conditions expected after the snow/ice
4. School officials, Kentucky Department of Transportation, and various law enforcement assessments of conditions
5. School district's assessment of school parking and accessibility of buildings
6. Anticipated impact on traffic
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER BECOMES SEVERE DURING THE
SCHOOL DAY?
Every effort is made to keep students in school through regular dismissal; however, it may become necessary to dismiss students earlier than normal to ensure their safe transport. School officials monitor weather conditions throughout the day in consultation with local weather officials, the Kentucky Department of Transportation, and various law enforcement officials.
HOW CAN PARENTS BE READY?
Parents should always be prepared for an early dismissal by having an identified procedure for their child to follow in these situations. We request parents not drive to school to pick up children who normally ride the school bus in the afternoon. This additional traffic created at school may complicate an early dismissal by increasing traffic both at the school and on the local roads. In addition, it may hamper communication efforts by school employees who are working quickly to ensure each child has a safe transport home.