Dear KCSD community,
The unpredictable weather this time of year often raises questions about how the district determines whether or not to have a delayed start or snow day following late season storms.
Our first priority is the safety of students and staff. Our buses and drivers are well-equipped for winter weather. To determine whether we can transport students safely, we rely on the expertise of a team of people at the National Weather Service and throughout the district.
When hazardous weather is headed our way, the district team connects via phone and text around 3:30 a.m. to monitor the latest road conditions and forecast. It is critical for the team to make a decision by 5:15 a.m. so we can get the message out to employees and families by 5:30 a.m. This is when our buses and early morning staff begin their day. Our team members, who are located throughout the district, include the transportation supervisor, superintendent, operations director, custodial supervisor, and an administrator in Gilchrist.
Our district is large geographically and some of our families live at higher elevations or in more rural areas. Conditions can vary throughout the district, which reaches from Rocky Point and Keno to the west, Malin to the south, Bonanza and Beatty to the east, and Gilchrist to the north. That is why at times we decide to remain open as a district, but cancel classes at specific schools due to inclement weather.
We understand that families may determine they cannot safely transport their child to school because of environmental factors in their area. If this is the case, parents are asked to call and inform their school so the absence can be excused. Information about inclement weather notifications is available on our district webpage under the inclement weather icon: https://www.kcsd.k12.or.us/families/inclement-weather-information.cfm.
I just wanted to ensure our families understand how these decisions are made and to thank our inclement weather team, bus drivers, and others who get up early to help make decisions, transport our students, and shovel and plow our school campuses.
As always, we appreciate your support and partnership in educating our students.
Sincerely,
Glen Szymoniak
