I.3 CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Policy:
The paramount consideration is the safety of students. The decision to close the division’s schools in their entirety or only specific locations shall rest with the Superintendent/CEO of schools.
The following criteria is considered when making a decision for school closure:
a. visibility c. wind-chill factor (-45 or lower)*
b. road conditions d. extremely cold temperatures (-35 or lower)*
Procedure:
Transportation and Maintenance Supervisors shall relay information to the Superintendent/CEO in regards to conditions at locations throughout the division and surrounding areas.
The Transportation and Maintenance Supervisor shall establish and maintain a list of contacts.
The decision for closure shall be made prior to 6:45 a.m. Once students have arrived at the schools, schools will remain open until regular dismissal time.
The decision to cancel the afternoon bus routes may be cancelled up to 2:15 p.m. . School principals are required to prepare contingency plans to accommodate students in the event that evening bus routes are cancelled.
Note: Transportation Policy F.13 Route Cancellation
Any bus driver has the right and the duty to make the decision whether to cancel his/her bus route when the schools have not been closed. It will be the driver’s responsibility to inform the Tranportation/Maintenance department, affected schools, and the parents of the affected students.
Media announcements shall be made by 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The announcements shall be through the medium of the following radio and television stations:
CFAM CJOB CBC-990 CKSB CHSM
Teachers and support staff will not be expected to attend schools that have been announced as closed. It will be expected that teachers will make use of their time at home in a manner beneficial to students and to the school division. In the event that the entire school division is closed, all division staff, with the exception of custodians, will not be expected at the workplace. Wages will not be docked as a result of the closure.
Radio Base Stations (bus garages and division office) will assist in any communication necessary for the arrangements to safely accommodate students.
* Conditions as reported by Environment Canada at the Winnipeg International Airport Location.
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