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Severe Weather-Related School Closings
Type: School Board Policy
Section: 700 NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS SERVICES
Code: 711
Adopted Date: 12/9/2002
Revised Dates: 10/9/2006, 4/11/2011, 11/10/2014, 6/25/2018, 7/13/2021, 10/10/2023
Reviewed Dates: 10/9/2006, 4/11/2011, 11/10/2014, 6/25/2018, 6/15/2021, 10/10/2023
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide information regarding severe weather-related school closings.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT
A. School Closings
When conditions prevail at the school that a building administrator considers to be of an emergency nature or hazardous to staff and students, they shall notify the Superintendent or designee of the circumstances.
Emergency or hazardous conditions are defined as those situations that make it impossible to carry on the normal teaching activities in the school and/or create a situation that could be harmful to the safety of the students and staff. Examples include, but are not restricted to, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, and utility failures related to weather.
Building administrators will follow individual building action plans as outlined in the School District Crisis Management policy (806) and Crisis Management Emergency Plan (Weather Emergencies). The Superintendent or designee may determine an alternate plan of action. Once a plan is determined, designated district staff will contact the media, other public and nonpublic schools, and others as necessary.
B. Weather Emergencies
School district officials will work jointly with the U.S. Weather Bureau to monitor conditions during inclement weather or anticipated weather conditions.
The Superintendent (or designee), with consultation from the executive director of operations and emergency management, will determine appropriate actions relating to early dismissal, late start, or the closing of school.
There may be times when weather conditions are not severe enough to justify the closing of schools but bus schedules and routes may have to be modified or canceled. Local media outlets will be notified once a decision has been made, and an announcement will be posted on the district website.
C. After-School Activities
If schools are closed due to severe weather conditions, all after-school activities, including practices and non-school events, will be canceled, and the building will be completely vacated by all but custodial personnel when possible.
Cross References:
Moorhead School Board Policy 806: School District Crisis Management
MSBA/MASA Policy 806: School District Crisis Management
