When weather happens...how we make the call

Pacific County residents received multiple tornado alerts Friday

Today was a first.  Over the years I have had to make decisions for lots of weather events and potential weather impacts--this was the first for a possible tornado...let alone multiple tornadoes.

Whenever we call off school, call a 2-hour delay, or send kids home early, we get comments and concerns on both sides of the decision.  People always tell me after the fact, "calling off school or deciding to go is a no-win scenario."

So what exactly goes into our decision to cancel school, call a 2-hour delay, or remain on schedule?  Well, I wish it was a hard science.  Obviously, emergency alerts sounding on your cell phone have a big impact, especially in conjunction with today's weather technology and the conditions we see and experience.  However, we have a lot of people working together to help inform the decision, and it starts with transportation supervisor Wyatt Kuiken and maintenance supervisor Gary Wilson.  I appreciate their dedication and commitment.


Assessing the situation

Real-time storm tracker image from Windytv.com

On days when we expect a weather event, Wyatt often leaves at 4:00 am (or earlier) to drive all bus routes, where he is looking for flooded roads, downed trees, or other obstructions and weather impacts that might hinder safe transportation--not only for our buses, but for people driving into school on their own.  Being dark in the morning plays a factor, and magnifies the risk.  This is one reason we often start with a 2-hour delay.  Daylight can help a lot.  However, weather changes fast.  I have been in positions when we have made a call, only to second guess that call 20 minutes later.  When some buses need to leave school 2 hours before we start, weather changes can impact transportation already en route.

Another player in the decision is maintenance supervisor Gary Wilson.  If we can safely get students to school, we need to be sure we can operate.  Weather conditions impact our ability to cook food, heat buildings, flush toilets, light classrooms, etc., etc.  Gary and his crew (Joe Dokter, Al Lewis, Roger Williams, Doug Sands) arrive before daylight to be sure buildings are not flooding, the heat is working, power is stable and we have the ability to functionally meet the needs of 600+ people in our buildings.

Making the call

Based on the early input from these staff, we make a pre-bus-departure decision.  2-hour delays solve the majority of concerns, allowing us to gain clearer perspective on weather, and for daylight to help safety conditions.  But as we experienced this morning, the weather can change quick and threats can increase substantially in a short amount of time.

At decision time, and as weather conditions develop in real-time, the buck stops with me.  Based on information I have at the moment, if I believe conditions are not safe or look to become dangerous, we're cancelling.  I understand and respect that others in the community might not always agree with the decision, but the safety of our students and employees will always be the primary factor.  That being said, no decision is "weather proof".  In that event, we have plans in place should the worst happen while at school.  We are in the process of reviewing these plans and making updates as needed.  Please take some time to review emergency procedures for your home, and be sure your children know how to respond.

As for this weekend, it looks like we could be in for a ride!  Stay safe out there, stay away from the beaches, and be alert.