Weather Cancellation Information
Fall, 2024
As we approach the winter season, I hope this article reminds us how we handle school schedule interruptions or cancelations.
Recently, the National Weather Service recently consolidated and renamed winter weather events. Wind Chill Watch/Warning/Advisory will be consolidated into Extreme Cold Watch/Warning and Cold Weather Advisory. Hard Freeze Watch and Warning will be consolidated into Freeze Watch/Warning.
Each weather event presents a different challenge to delay or cancel classes. Please know that any decision made is with the safety of our students, teachers, and staff in mind. Here is the process for deciding weather-related school closures. Initially, I watch the weather forecasts. I will use the local television station forecasts, the Weather Channel, and the National Weather Bureau for information when a storm is developing. Then as a storm approaches, I will consult with Derek Hamilton, North Scott Transportation Manager. I also consult externally with the Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley, and Davenport school districts, Scott County Road Department, National Weather Service, and other North Scott community departments. The Iowa DOT provides information through its website that is considered. I gather as much information as possible to ensure our buses, parents, and student drivers can safely get to and from school.
We begin the decision process very early in the day when a storm comes in overnight. We consider the amount of fallen snow, current road conditions, and the forecast. We know that conditions may vary because the North Scott School District covers a large area. Our goal is to decide between 4:30-5:00 a.m. We want to decide early in consideration of the number of students and staff heading to school around that same time.
I am not a big fan of late starts. Late starts and early releases put a lot of stress on families. A late start that turns into a cancellation can make it difficult for families to find daycare for their young children. We will use a late start when we know the road conditions will be OK with a delay. Early release will be used when conditions deteriorate, and we must get the students home. I expect both of these to be used on rare occasions.
Extreme Cold Warnings can also cause school to be canceled. When an extreme cold warning has been issued, temperatures are sustained 35⁰ or more below zero for an extended period, school will be canceled. An extreme cold watch or cold weather advisory will not cause a school cancellation or delay. All of the Quad Cities school districts follow these guidelines for cold weather. Once a decision is made, we will notify all staff and students through the school messenger system and call the local television stations. As much as I would like to think everyone will agree with every decision I make, I know that will not likely happen.
I always strive to make the best decision possible based on current information. As a parent or guardian, if you disagree with my decision, you always have the right to keep your child home for safety. Let’s all hope that this winter is kind to all of us.
Joe Stutting, Superintendent