Decision-making Process for Inclement Weather Situations
Winter Weather Closings
Closing schools due to inclement weather is a difficult and complex decision. WCPSS uses a combination of factors based on the best interest of our students and their families. Although weather conditions can vary across the county, when a decision is made to close schools, it is always for the entire district.
Every effort is made to ensure that your child gets to school safely on winter days. During snowy or icy weather conditions, school officials may close school all day, delay opening by two hours, or close early. Parents should have contingency plans in place to take care of children on such days.
The superintendent makes the decision to cancel school based on recommendations from WCPSS staff. All decisions are announced on local radio and television stations, and on the WCPSS Web site. For immediate information via text message or e-mail, parents/ guardians and students can sign up to receive these alerts through the WCPSS Emergency Notification Service.
Closing
The superintendent may order the closing of schools on mornings when inclement weather (snow, ice, hurricanes, etc) is expected or is a possibility. WCPSS staff monitors weather forecasts through a variety of weather sites to determine how serious the threat appears to be. If inclement weather is likely, WCPSS officials will consult with the National Weather Service, the Department of Transportation, city of Raleigh, and other school districts. By 3 a.m., staff will go out to evaluate current road conditions and report back by 4 a.m. When there is sufficient information leading up to the event, the goal is to make a decision by 10:00 p.m. the day before, in time for the late television news. If the inclement weather begins overnight, the superintendent will make a final decision no later than 5 a.m. on that day.
Delayed opening
If the opening of school is delayed, buses will pick up students at their normal stops two hours later than usual. Typically, such decisions are announced by 5 a.m. on that day. Because weather or road conditions may deteriorate further after a delay is announced, parents and students should continue to monitor media announcements for a possible change from a delay to a closure.
Early dismissal
When a snow storm or other weather-related emergency begins in the morning after students arrive at school, the school system may find it necessary to close schools early. This ensures that students will arrive home safely in a reasonable amount of time. Typically, the announcement is made around 10 a.m. When schools close early, buses will drop students at the regular bus stops.
Before- and After-school Programs
If school closes early due to inclement weather, the WPCSS After- School program will close early. For example, if the school closes one hour early, the after school program will close one hour early. The exception to this procedure will be based upon the severity of weather conditions that necessitate the immediate closing of the program. The decision to close early will be decided by the principal of the school. The After School Program will not operate if there is a cancellation of school. The program will operate on the make-up day(s) designated by the Board of Education.
Athletic Events, Extracurricular Activities and Community Use
If school is cancelled or closes early, all athletic events (practices and games), extracurricular activities, and community use-related events are cancelled. If inclement weather happens over the weekend, Board policy states that the superintendent can make the decision to cancel Saturday activities. If school has a delayed start, then school activities are permitted.