The Mount Vernon City Schools district has outlined its decision-making process for school closures during inclement weather. Superintendent William Seder Jr. emphasized that while student safety is the top priority, decisions are made based on various factors.
The decision to open or close schools considers road conditions, snow and ice accumulation, temperature and wind chill, weather predictions from reliable sources, and the impact on bus fleets. Building conditions and parking lot safety are also assessed.
"The final decision," stated Superintendent Seder Jr., "is based on the above factors and recommendations from the Directors of Transportation and Maintenance."
Decisions regarding closures or delays aim to be finalized by 5:30 a.m., although exceptions may occur if conditions change overnight. A two-hour delayed start is an option when additional time could improve road conditions significantly.
Once a decision to open schools is made, it cannot be reversed in the morning due to potential risks to students who might return home unsupervised. If weather worsens during school hours, early dismissal will be communicated promptly through Instant Connect Knox Alerts and local media.
Superintendent Seder Jr. advises parents to use their judgment about sending children to school if they feel conditions are unsafe. He also cautions against teenagers driving in adverse weather.
Public notifications of school closures or delays will be disseminated via Instant Connect—a phone, text, and email alert system—and through TV channels NBC (4), ABC (6), FOX (28), WBNS (10), radio stations WNZR (90.9 FM), WQIO (93.7 FM), WMVO (1300 AM), and Knox Pages.
The district has sufficient excess hours in its schedule to cover up to five days missed due to bad weather without needing make-up days. Additional closures will be compensated through online instruction or blizzard bags.
Superintendent Seder Jr. expressed hope that this explanation clarifies how decisions are made with student safety as a priority.
