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It is the goal of Spokane Public Schools to keep schools open during snowy weather. However, safety is never compromised when reaching a decision about school closures or late starts. While safety is the primary concern, state law requires the district to be in session 180 days. If the district closes schools, days will have to be made up at a later time, during the school year, which can be very disruptive to families.
Schools are among the safest places for students to be during inclement weather. In many cases, both parents and/or guardians work outside the home and the district believes that having children home alone during the day is not a good option. In addition, schools provide a warm, supervised environment where children can be educated.
In the case of severe inclement weather which may result in the closure of Spokane Public Schools and facilities the following procedures will apply:
The Snow Watch Program will begin the first week of November and continue through the third week of March. Each week during this period, a designated First Student Transit employee will be responsible for monitoring the local weather reports and forecasts. This person will visually check outdoor conditions during the evening and early morning hours and may be required to drive various routes. This person will also contact and coordinate with other snow watch personnel if weather conditions dictate. The Senior Operations Manager at First Student, or their designee, will contact the District’s Transportation Director between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to review weather conditions and determine what actions will be taken such as: possible late routes, school closures, and/or canceled or altered routes.
Snow removal in district parking lots begins when snow accumulation is, or is forecasted to be, three to four inches (3” – 4”) or more. Maintenance staff will clear school sidewalks, as needed.
During heavy snows or other severe weather conditions the transportation contractor’s Snow Watch Team will determine if chain-up is necessary, and if so, determine whether to do a full or partial chain up. Chain up will consist of at least 10 drivers who will have committed to being on call by November 1, each year, plus two designated maintenance people.
Transportation will determine if selected routes need to be revised based on weather and subsequent dangerous road conditions. This information will be disseminated by First Student to a parent phone chain for the families involved. Routes most likely to be affected are those outside the city limits.
Spokane Public Schools believes it is important for students to have outdoor activities during the course of the school day. Fresh air and physical activities promote health, help develop strong bodies and improves learning in the classroom. In as much as possible outdoor activities should be a part of every school day.
On occasions, weather conditions may be too extreme for outdoor activities. These would include heavy precipitation (rain or snow), severe winds, extreme temperatures and extremely low wind chill factors. Local weather advisories are provided by the National Weather Service on their web site. School administrators should periodically check this web site for changes in weather patterns and updates on weather alerts.
A revised wind chill table was introduced by the National Weather Service on Nov. 1, 2001. The wind chill temperature index measures how cold people feel when outside. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. The wind therefore makes it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. If the temperature is 0°F and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is –19°F. At this wind chill temperature, exposed skin can freeze in approximately 30 minutes.
School administrators should refer to the wind chill chart below to determine if outdoor activities are appropriate for their students and staff. Proper dress is important in protection from the elements. Students and employees should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Tips on how to dress during cold weather- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
- Wear a hat. 40% of your body heat can be lost from your head.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Wear mittens. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves to keep your hands warm.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
The final decision for closing schools because of inclement weather is the Superintendent’s. Closure information will be broadcast by the local media beginning at approximately 6:30 a.m. and on the ESD web site at www.esd101.net or School Closure Alert
Spokane Public Schools will be opened daily as scheduled, regardless of weather, unless a closure announcement is made.
In the event that it is necessary to close schools during the school day, the decision will be made using the same authority lines as outlined above with special consideration given to early dismissal of those students bused. Building administrators have plans of action for each school which will safeguard students in the event of inclement weather resulting in early closure of schools(s).
The decision to keep a child home on a snowy day when school is open rests with the parents. Parents who choose to keep their student home during bad weather should notify their school promptly.
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200 N. Bernard Street • Spokane, WA 99201 • (509) 354-5900