CCPS Inclement Weather Communications

School bus driving through the snow

Here are a few guidelines that may help to give you and others in the community a better understanding of the process we go through when the weather is severe enough to possibly call off/dismiss school.

Q – What is the process for calling off school?

A: First, we gather the most accurate information possible including the anticipated time the weather event will begin. We check the weather channel, radar, various forecasts as well as the National Weather Service to monitor the forecast hour by hour. In addition, we check the air temperature and the road temperature to anticipate icing conditions. Christian County is a fairly large district, which is why CCPS staff physically checks roads from one side of the county to the other.

Q – If the snow or severe weather seems inevitable, what happens next?

A: Our transportation team will drive through different zones throughout the county and confer on the conditions. Phone calls are made to districts in the direction of the snow in order to more accurately match the prediction and timing of the snow with the actual conditions. Discussions also occur between neighboring districts. This decision–making process begins approximately between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m. By approximately 5 a.m., the transportation director, Superintendent, and weather team review all factors and determine if we should close or delay. Phone calls are made to all radio and TV stations as well as the bus drivers. No later than 5:30 AM, families will be notified via our ParentSquare Communication system.

Q – How will CCPS notify parents, students, and staff that we have decided to call off school for the day?

A:       

  • Infinite Campus Messenger system via call, email, and text
  • WHOP, WKDZ, WHVO, WNKJ, and the Kentucky New Era

 

Q – What if the snow or severe weather has not started by 5 am?

A: Timing is the most difficult aspect of this decision. We transport approximately 6800 students over 8700 miles each day. It takes us approximately three hours(elementary and secondary routes combined) to get our students home (longer if there is inclement weather). Early school dismissal creates a hardship for our working parents and a risk that many of our students may be home unsupervised. We want to get our high school student drivers on the road as soon as possible before the weather worsens. We also coordinate with Christian County’s Crisis Management Coordinator, Mr. Graham. The amount of quality instruction time is also a consideration.

Q –If we’ve already been out of school, how is the decision made regarding the return to school?

A: Our operational team checks all questionable roads and school campuses.  We consider the late afternoon road conditions and anticipate the morning conditions based on the temperature or other factors. If conditions are questionable, we have the option to run on a one or two-hour delayed schedule.

These decisions are tough but the safety of our children is most important. We will always err on the side of caution.

 

Q: Why is school called off or changed because of high winds?

A: Due to the size of our county and the number of students transported across our district, numerous buses can be out at any given time.  Buses traveling across areas that are unprotected and experience high or straight-line winds can be overturned. Student safety is a priority.

 

Q: When will NTI Learning Days be used?

A: The district will determine once a decision has been made to close school whether or not the day will be used as a NTI day. This will be communicated with families once the call to close school has been made. Check out the district NTI Information page for more guidance on NTI and expectations.