I. Inclement Weather Team:

The following individuals will form the team responsible for determining school delays or closures:

1. Superintendent

2. District Facilities Director

3. Chief Communications Officer

4. Director of Academics

II. Weather Monitoring:

• The team will continuously monitor weather conditions leading up to and during potential inclement weather events.

• The District Facilities Director will assess road and sidewalk conditions and inform the Superintendent.

III. Decision-Making Criteria:

The team will consider the following factors when determining whether to delay or cancel school:

1. Snowfall accumulation and rate

2. Freezing rain or ice conditions

3. Windchill and extreme cold temperatures

4. Visibility and road conditions

5. Current and forecasted weather conditions

6. Local emergency declarations

IV. Decision-Making Process:

• The team will convene as soon as possible when inclement weather is anticipated or occurs.

• When necessary, the team will consult with a meteorologist through the Perry Weather system, who can provide up-to-date weather information, safety concerns, and recommendations to help guide the decision-making process.

• The team will review all relevant information and forecasts.

• A preliminary decision will be made based on the available information. The Superintendent will make the final decision.

• The decision will be made by 5:30 a.m. and communicated promptly. If a 2-hour late start is determined, a final decision about whether or not to close for the day will be made by 6:45 a.m.

• When possible, the decision to delay or close school will be made by 10:00 p.m. the night before.

V. Communication:

Once a decision to delay or cancel school is made, the communications department enacts the following communication plan:

1. Automated phone calls, texts, and emails to parents and staff.

2. Post on the school district website and social media accounts.

3. Notification to FlashAlert and media stations

VI. Staff Reporting:

• Staff members will follow the delay or closure notification and report to work accordingly. Doing so helps the facilities team remove snow-covered parking lots without staff vehicles blocking their efforts.

• Essential staff, such as maintenance and custodial personnel, should report as directed.

• Employees who are unable to report due to safety concerns or travel restrictions will notify their supervisors as soon as possible.

VII. Student Information:

• Parents should notify their child's school if their student cannot attend school due to safety concerns or travel restrictions—these absences will be excused.

• There is no A.M. preschool or A.M. breakfast when a delay or closure is issued.

• Before and after-school activities and extracurricular activities may be impacted by the delay or closure, and parents will be informed accordingly.

VIII. Review and Evaluation:

After each weather-related delay or closure, the team will conduct a review to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and make any necessary improvements.

This procedure will be updated as needed to reflect changes in personnel, technology, or community needs. The safety of our students and staff will always be the top priority when making inclement weather-related decisions.

More Information:

• Columbine Elementary Delay Start Schedule - No breakfast. School starts at 10 am. Pick up at 3 pm.

  • 2-Hour Delay Assignment/Questionnaire

• Summit Elementary Delay Start Schedule - No breakfast. Drop off is from 9:40 to 9:55 am, and pick up is at 3:00 pm.

  • 2-Hour Delay Assignment/Questionnaire

• WPJSHS Delay Start Schedule - Students will have advisory assignments posted on the Gradient Learning platform. Assignments will be posted by 8:00 am and should be completed by students before arriving at school at 10:15 for normal classes.

Dressing for Cold Weather Infographic: