Few decisions by school administrators generate more angst than winter weather-related delays or closures, and USD 253 Emporia has announced the factors it tracks whenever closings or delays are possible.
USD 253 Superintendent Allison Anderson-Harder says there are several stated factors to consider, but the district also has to take into account things like last-minute childcare adjustments for parents. She also says options like online learing, which Emporia State and Flint Hills Technical College can use, aren’t an option anymore for the district after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The district says it considers several factors:
*actual and projected snowfall or ice accumulation
*evaluation of travel conditions
*status of power and heat to buildings
*air temperatures and wind chills
If these conditions will jeopardize student and staff safety, the district will do its best to cancel classes no later than 6 am the morning of classes — and there may be decisions to cancel or delay classes the night before. Whenever classes are underway and conditions worsen during the day, the district’s weather team will meet to determine whether to cancel after-school or evening activities.
Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren says USD 253 has all its weather-related alerts on its SchoolMessenger call and text system, as well as its website, usd253.org, and its social media channels.
KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media will let you know whenever USD 253 or area schools have schedule adjustments, including closures or delays.
7:45 am Thursday: USD 253 announces tracking factors for closure, delay decisions
Winter conditions are coming eventually, and USD 253 Emporia has announced the factors it tracks when school closures or delays are possible.
The district says it considers several factors:
*actual and projected snowfall or ice accumulation
*evaluation of travel conditions
*status of power and heat to buildings
*air temperatures and wind chills
If these conditions will jeopardize student and staff safety, the district will do its best to cancel classes no later than 6 am the morning of classes — and there may be decisions to cancel or delay classes the night before. Whenever classes are underway and conditions worsen during the day, the district’s weather team will meet to determine whether to cancel after-school or evening activities.
