Weather Procedures

SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES

When deciding whether to close schools, factors that are taken into consideration include:

  • Amount and type of precipitation;
  • Weather forecasts (start and stop times);
  • Ability to clear parking lots and sidewalks around schools;
  • Street (highway, thoroughfare and residential), and bus stop conditions;
  • Freezing rain and the effect on roads, power lines and tree limbs;
  • Wind and wind chill; and,
  • Temperature

Members of the DPS weather team closely monitor local forecasts at the first announcement of a storm front. At all times, the safety of students and staff is the basis for determining the cancellation of school.

There will be times when the regular buses cannot travel on all roads because of large accumulations of snow, or because of certain drifting patterns in some areas of the district. Main roads, over time, may be cleared after a morning snowfall, but our residential streets often remain hazardous beyond those early hours when buses deliver our children to school.

Generally speaking, if the air temperature reaches 0 degrees, school may be canceled due to safety reasons. Wind chill would also factor into this decision.

The District strives to make a decision about closing schools as soon as possible to allow families to adequately prepare. However, at times poor weather may not arrive until the early morning hours. In those situations, decisions may need to be made the same day as the closure.

When the District is closed, all extracurricular activities and field trips are canceled. However, afternoon athletic events and activities may continue as usual if the forecast improves. Families should look out for more information concerning athletics if the District is closed.

School Closure Notifications

Notification of school closings because of inclement weather will be communicated through:

  • An automated phone call, text message and email to parents or guardians (through ParentSquare)
  • A post on district social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
  • An alert on the DPS website

Closings are also communicated to the following TV stations:

  • WDTN Channel 2
  • WHIO Channel 7
  • WKEF Channel 22/Channel 45