November 2024
Dear South Winneshiek Community Schools Families,
The winter season is rapidly approaching, which means inclement weather will cause travel difficulties at some point. It is important to understand that the decisions we make when canceling school are based on the safety of our students, which will always be our top priority.
HOW WE MAKE OUR DECISION?
Below are the factors we use to determine if we should close school or keep it open.
- Our school district encompasses 180 square miles. Even if in your area the travel looks clear and safe, travel in other parts of our school district may be hazardous.
- The timing of the inclement weather and current road conditions.
- Input from our transportation staff, the Winneshiek County Road Maintenance Superintendent, and the National Weather Service.
- Amount of snow and ice that has already accumulated.
- Dangerous wind chill and sustained low temperatures. Remember that we have students that walk to school and others that need to wait outside for their school bus.
- Weather predictions. Although these are not always accurate, we do need to pay attention to forecasted conditions.
- What other school districts in the area are doing. We will check with other
districts to see if they will be opened or closed, however their decision will not always determine ours.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
As the superintendent of schools, it is my responsibility to decide if school will be open or closed based on the factors mentioned above along with the recommendation from the transportation staff.
HOW ARE FAMILIES/PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
I will always try to make a decision to postpone or close school no later than 6:00 am however there can be situations where inclement weather moves in fast and a decision may happen at the last minute, specifically fog. If a late start is announced, the decision to close will be made no later than 8:00 am. Families should assume that school is open unless they hear differently. If schools are closed, families will be notified using the following forms of communication:
- JMC Messenger
- School District Website
- School District Social Media
- Mr. Einck’s Twitter Account
- Local TV and Radio Stations will also be notified. KWWL TV channel 7, KCRG TV channel 9, WXOW TV (La Crosse) channel 19, and KVIK Radio (104.7)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION
We appreciate your understanding and support in weather related decisions. Our hope is that this information will help everyone understand the process we use as a district to make the best possible decision based on the information we have at that particular time.
Kris Einck
Superintendent