File: EBCD
SHUTESBURY
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
EMERGENCY
CLOSINGS
The
Superintendent may close the schools or dismiss them early in the event of
hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the health or safety of
students and personnel. While it may be prudent, under certain
circumstances, to excuse all students from attending school, to delay the
opening hour or to dismiss students early, the Superintendent has the
responsibility to see that as much of the administrative, supervisory and
operational activity is continued as may be possible. Therefore, if
conditions affect only a single school, only that school will be closed.
In making
the decision to close schools, the Superintendent will consider many factors,
including the following principle ones relating to the fundamental concern for
the safety and health of the children:
1. Weather conditions, both existing and predicted.
2. Driving, traffic, and parking conditions affecting
public and private transportation facilities.
3. Actual occurrence or imminent possibility of any
emergency condition that would make the operation of schools difficult or
dangerous.
4. Inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which
might result in inadequate supervision of students.
The
Superintendent will weigh these factors and take action to close the schools
only after consultation with public works and public safety authorities and
with school officials from neighboring towns. Students, parents/guardians and
staff will be informed early in each school year of the procedures that will be
used to notify them in case of emergency closings. When schools are
closed for emergency reasons, staff members will comply with School Committee
policy in reporting for work.
SOURCE: MASC
LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:4; 71:4A
Edited by Shutesbury
Policy Committee: 02-25-21
First Reading by
Shutesbury School Committee: 03/18/21
Second Reading
First Vote by Shutesbury School Committee:
04/15/21
Final Vote by
Shutesbury School Committee: 05/20/21