Snow/Inclement Weather FAQ

Who makes the decision on what happens in the case of inclement weather?

Generally the Superintendent of Schools is charged with the responsibility of determining whether our schools are closed on an emergency basis.

What factors are included in making the decision?

Several inputs are utilized in the decision. Weather forecasts, road reports from the Kinnelon Police Department and Kinnelon Department of Public Works; situation reports from district maintenance staff and consultation with First Student who is our bus contractor. When the decision is not clear I will also do a first hand inspection of bus routes.

What procedure is used in making the decision?

Although the process does not always ultimately result in a delay or closing it always begins around 4:30 a.m. At that point I am speaking with Kinnelon Police to determine if there are any problems. If necessary the other agencies and personnel are included in the discussion. A decision to delay or close is made as soon as possible. In either case the decision has to be made by 5:30 a.m. in order to insure that staff and students are notified in a timely manner. If it is obvious that current or future conditions are not safe school is closed. If it appears that more time is needed a 90 minute delay is implemented.

Why delay?

A delay allows us to gather more information and see how conditions are developing. We also use it when there are conditions on our own parking lots and sidewalks that require more time. Occasionally it is used to insure we have staff coverage for all of our classes. Sometimes there are bus problems. Delays have been used because of heating problems. It is important to remember that not every delay will result in a closing and plan accordingly. The delay gives until 7:00 a.m. to make the final call. If a closing is not announced by 7:15 a.m. then we are having school.
For delayed opening times go to http://www.kinnelonpublicschools.org/BOE/Schedules/delayed_opening.htm

Sometimes a decision is made to close or delay which doesn't seem to make sense to me?

Understandable since the decision relies on our most inexact science-predicting the weather. Our local conditions do not always reflect the regional forecasts. Yet when looking at future conditions these forecasts must be considered. The topography of our town varies. Higher elevations accumulate snow or ice more quickly or hold on to it longer. Roads that are steeper are more problematic. The decision is based on the condition of every bus route; not just the one that takes your child to school. The decision has to happen several hours before school would actually open. What is happening at the time your school normally opens does not have a bearing on the decision. What was happening several hours before does.

But there have been times when school is closed and by noon the sun is out and the roads are clear?

That does happen. Timing is a big factor. If it's snowing hard at 4:30 a.m., we have a delay- still snowing at 7:00 a.m. so we close- and then it stops at 10 a.m.- there's not much that could have done about it.

What about early dismissal?

Early dismissal uses the same inputs on an even more compressed timeline. It is more dependent though on weather forecasts and current conditions at 11 a.m. 11 a.m. is the last point in which a decision can be made to go home early. Snowing or sleeting by 11 a.m. and the prediction for quick and significant accumulation is the main criteria for early dismissal. The rationale for an early dismissal is to get the students home before the roads become even more hazardous at regular dismissal. Early dismissal is always implemented reluctantly and with the understanding that it disrupts everyone's day. When it appears that removal of snow or ice cannot keep up with accumulation we have an early dismissal. Otherwise we will stay in school and give the plows and sanders a chance to do their job. Time schedules for early dismissal are at: http://www.kinnelonpublicschools.org/BOE/Schedules/early_dismissal.htm

Why snow routes?

Snow routes are a mechanism to try and soften the disparity between our differing road conditions. By identifying areas that are more significantly affected by bad weather and temporarily moving those bus stops it allows us to have school. Otherwise we would use more snow days in order to just accommodate specific areas and conditions. A snow route bus stop list is sent home each year. For further information go to: http://www.kinnelonpublicschools.org/BOE/Schedules/snow_route.htm