Who is responsible for making the decision?

The Superintendent has the responsibility of determining whether the schools close on an emergency basis. 

What factors are included in making the decision?

Several inputs are utilized in the decision. Weather forecasts, reports from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and Morris County Office of Emergency Management, road reports from the Kinnelon Police Department, and Kinnelon Department of Public Works; situation reports from district maintenance staff and consultation with First Student, our bus contractor. In addition, there is additional consultation and communication with area Superintendents.

What is the procedure used in making the decision?

Although the process does not always ultimately result in a delay or closing, it always begins around 4:00 a.m. At that point, the Superintendent is 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 5:00 – 5:30 a.m. to ensure that staff and students are notified promptly. If it is evident that current or future conditions are not safe to hold school, the schools will be closed. If it appears that more time is needed, a 2-hour delay is implemented.

Why delay?

A 2-hour delay allows us to gather more information and to see how conditions are developing. We also use it when there are conditions on our parking lots and sidewalks that require more time. Occasionally, it is used to ensure 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 school closing and plan accordingly. The delay gives until 7:30 a.m. to make the final call. 

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. Steeper roads 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 open. What is happening at the time your school opens typically does not have a bearing on the decision. What was happening several hours before or what is predicted to be occurring during normal dismissal times 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 significant factor. If it's snowing hard at 4:30 a.m., we have a 2-hour delay. If it is still snowing or if conditions are getting worse at 7:30 a.m., we close the schools.  If 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 dependent on weather forecasts and current conditions at 11 a.m. Eleven 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 early dismissal is to get the students home before the roads become even more hazardous at regular dismissal. Early dismissal is 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.

Why snow routes?

Snow routes are a way to try to 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 to accommodate specific areas and conditions. A snow route/bus stop list is sent home each year.

Snow routes are available on the school websites; for student safety, the list of snow routes is not visible to the general public, so parents will be required to log in to view snow routes.

Whenever there is a delayed opening, snow routes will be in effect. Students will board their bus 2-hours later than their regularly scheduled time.  Please note that when snow bus routes are in effect, buses may arrive slightly ahead or behind schedule due to road conditions. Please arrive at your snow route bus stop at least 15 minutes ahead of the posted pick-up time.