Well, it's that dreaded time of year for superintendents - the time to make the school closure call. I just got off the phone a few minutes ago with the first report and, like most times, it will not be an easy call. Yes, there is ice in many places, but the main roads are in pretty good shape and if we go with emergency stops we may be able to go two hours late. We may, it could, main roads ok, - all those words that bring choice with them. Now the questions start.
- How bad is the road to the high school since we know kids will still drive?
- Are the parking lots safe?
- If we believe the weather won't change between now and the morning when should we make the call?
- What are the conditions in the surrounding communities since those will impact staff travel?
- Are all emergency route stops on the main roads?
- How many people can we get out on the roads now in the areas we know are the hardest areas to call?
- If we go, should we go two hours late so it will be light and less traffic even though it probably won't change road conditions appreciably?
- And, . . .
It will be another of those restless nights until we make a decision then a different stress after the decision as many second guess what we decided. These are obviously very difficult decisions to make that are made more difficult because of the diversity of our community as it relates to elevation and impact of the foothills on snowfall and temperatures. None of us individually has the context to make the decision. As with most things, it takes a collaborative effort to make the best decision.
One of these times if we have to alter the schedule it would be nice for it to be an obvious call. You know, one of those no brainers because of the number of inches on the ground. I wonder even then if all would agree?
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