School Closings
When emergency situations occur, including weather conditions or school building site limitations (i.e. water, heat, electrical), the decision to close schools, start late, or dismiss early will be made by the Superintendent or his designee. The decision will be based on information provided by the transportation director, building and grounds director, emergency service providers, and other area school districts.
School Closings, delayed starts or early dismissal messages will be sent on the District’s automated message service called School Messenger.
School closings, delayed starts or early dismissals due to severe weather or other emergency reasons will also be broadcast on the following TV/Radio stations:
- KARE 11 TV
- KMSP 9 TV
- KSTP 5 TV
- WCCO 4 TV
- KOOL FM 94.3
- KWLM FM 102.5
- KMGK FM 107.1
- KKOK FM 95.7
- KDJS/KVRY 97.3
- KIKV FM 100.7
Generally, school will be in session if it is felt that the buses can make their routes safely. When weather conditions are questionable, the district’s transportation director will do considerable checking of road conditions. Since the school district is very large, it is impossible to determine the conditions in every sector on any given day. Safety for students and staff is our first priority. Based on the information the superintendent receives from the transportation director, a decision is made to either close the schools or keep them open.
Parents/Guardians: Please do not call the schools or broadcast stations. If you don’t hear an announcement, assume school is in session.
Even if school is in session, parents are asked to assess their particular situation and determine whether or not it is safe for their child(ren) to attend school on a particular day. Children absent in inclement weather when school is held will be marked absent and treated the same as in any other legitimate absence. The school however, must receive proper parental notice.
Please plan with your child what you will do in a school closing emergency.