Superintendent outlines inclement‑weather decision process: crews on roads at 3:30 a.m., notifications by 5:30 a.m.

Superintendent Dr. Salzman briefed the board Jan. 14 on Everett Public Schools’ process for deciding school closures or late starts during inclement weather. He said safety is the district’s top priority and described a four‑step process: continuous weather monitoring, coordination with operations staff, early‑morning on‑road assessments and timely communication to families.

Dr. Salzman said the operations team (led by Chief Operating Officer Larry Fleckenstein) begins hands‑on road and site assessments at approximately 3:30 a.m. to check main roads, neighborhood streets, parking lots and walkways. After those assessments, the superintendent meets with cabinet and operational staff to determine whether to operate on a regular schedule, call a two‑hour late start, or close schools. He said decisions are typically communicated to the public by about 5:30 a.m. via ParentSquare, the district website, social media and local news outlets.

Dr. Salzman noted the district’s geographic size can produce different conditions across the attendance area and that bus routing constraints mean the district often must make a single decision for the entire district. He also said the district encourages families to make decisions that suit their local conditions and noted the district is coordinating with neighboring districts to share information.

The superintendent introduced the process as background for the public ahead of winter weather and said the district will officially recognize the board during School Board Recognition month at an upcoming meeting.

Source: Superintendent Dr. Salzman’s Jan. 14 superintendent’s report.