HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

• What's Happening Line (252) 823-5800

• Suddenlink Cable Channel 3

• ConnectEd

• ECPS Web site 

• Local radio and TV stations

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The decision is usually made by 5:00 am so we can notify radio and TV stations, begin the ConnectEd phoning, and post the decision on our Web site before bus drivers start their routes.

HOW DO WE MAKE THE DECISION?

We make the decision to open or close the schools in inclement weather based on whether school buses can safely travel and the school facilities are in working order. We consider several factors, such as:

• Information on road conditions from transportation staff and police department. We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district. Even if your street looks clear, travel elsewhere in the district may be dangerous.

• The amount of snow and/or ice that has accumulated.

• Weather predictions. This is especially true if school is already in session when the inclement weather begins.

• Building conditions, such as interrupted electricity and heat.

• Temperature and wind chill.

• What other school districts are doing. We also share information with other local districts and check on whether they are opening or closing.

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The Superintendent is responsible for the final decision based on the above factors and recommendations from the Director of Transportation and Maintenance.

WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?
Generally speaking, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning without endangering students. Once we make the decision to open schools, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If we then send students back home, many will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty houses.

However, if conditions get worse during the school day, we may need to have an early dismissal, and we will try to give as much notice as possible to schools and parents.

Although we do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether he or she should attend. Also, discourage teenagers or inexperienced drivers from driving in potentially bad conditions.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO?

1. Make sure all emergency contact information is up to date, such as address, phone numbers and names of emergency contacts

2. Monitor communications sites as listed above and avoid calling schools to keep phone lines open

3. Have a back-up plan for child care and school transportation in case of schedule change