LSC Closing and Delay Information
How is the decision to delay or close schools made? The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority during inclement weather. The Director of Transportation begins the process – typically early in the morning (about 3 a.m.) – by driving roads, checking with local law enforcement and city, county and state highway officials. Transportation directors from surrounding school districts are contacted to compare information.
When all information is collected, a recommendation is made to the Superintendent on the cancellation or delay.
If the decision is based on cold rather than inclement weather, the wind-chill factor is taken into consideration. For example, zero without wind may not be as hazardous as a temperature of 10 with a wind-chill factor that brings the temperature to -5.
On some occasions, a decision will be made to delay the start of school rather than to cancel for the day. This is especially true when the forecast projects frigid weather, fog or snow. A delay usually assures that students will be picked up when it is daylight, and perhaps the sun will even be shining to take away some of the chill.
When is the decision made and how can I find out if school is delayed or closed? The decision is made as early as possible, but normally by 5:30 a.m. Once a decision is made, radio and television stations are notified and the website is changed. Additionally, the announcement is recorded on the transportation switchboard (765-771-6059) and a messaging system relays the information to staff and parents.
Why not just decide to close school (or delay) based on the weather forecast the night before? It is very difficult to make a decision to delay or close school based on a predicted forecast, especially when the forecast relates to snow. The decision will typically be made in the morning, based upon all factors addressed above.
When is a decision made to dismiss students early? Early dismissals are never an easy decision. Every attempt will be made not to dismiss school early during the day, because we recognize that often means no one is at home to meet students. However, rapid weather changes and safety can dictate the need for early dismissal. Please discuss this possibility with your family and have a plan in place should this occur.
I think schools should have been closed – it is not safe to be on the road and I don’t want my child to go out in this weather. Each parent has a right to determine if his/her child will go to school. If the parent feels it is unsafe, he/she has every right to keep the child at home. The child will be counted absent with parent consent but he/she may make up any work missed.