Superintendent to revisit early-dismissal policy after storm left heavier snow and longer bus runs

Superintendent Dr. Sue Doris told the Auburn School Committee on March 26 that the district's response to a recent snowstorm will prompt a policy review and renewed emphasis on family communication and coordination with Public Works.

Doris said the district had expected a forecast of 1 to 3 inches of snow turning to rain overnight, and therefore held a regular school day; the storm delivered closer to 5 to 6 inches, which prolonged bus runs and made dismissal more difficult. She read policy language the district currently follows: "the option to dismiss school early will only be used when there are extremely unusual circumstances," and said the committee should consider whether to add clearer early-dismissal language to the policy and to bring the topic to the policy subcommittee.

Doris and Assistant Superintendent Scott Inier described post-storm coordination with public works and transportation. Doris praised the transportation staff and drivers and singled out Transportation Director Dave Fontaine for his work during the event. Inier emphasized that, if the district chooses to use early dismissal more often, it must strengthen communication so families can build backup plans and be ready to receive students on short notice.

Committee members raised concerns about sidewalk clearance and pedestrian safety when students walk to and from school. Doris said she attends pre-storm meetings with public works and that custodial and public-works coordination around removal and on-site snow/ice treatment is part of ongoing planning.

Ending: The district will bring policy language and communication plans to the policy subcommittee for review and consider communication-platform changes ahead of next school year.