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Superintendent explains criteria for school and athletic cancellations amid winter weather
Summary
The superintendent described the district's criteria for canceling school versus canceling athletic events, citing transportation safety for roughly 1,900 students and the distinction between main roads and back roads.
During superintendent and board communications on Feb. 17, the superintendent explained how Bath County Schools decides whether to cancel classes, practices or athletic events during winter weather.
The superintendent said officials try to make decisions the day before when possible "to allow parents...to make those decisions," but acknowledged some calls must be made the morning of an event when road conditions are uncertain. The superintendent said the district considers transportation logistics for about "1,900 kids" when deciding on school closures and that athletic events involve smaller groups and therefore may be allowable when school is canceled.
"If we can't get a lot of those kids here, then we can't," the superintendent said, describing the distinction between main roads (which clear faster) and local back roads that can remain iced and unsafe for several days. The superintendent also noted safety concerns for visitors at home games if parking areas remain icy.
The superintendent said the district will err on the side of safety and that if conditions are unsafe, "we cancel all things." He also told the board that scheduled practices and school would likely be canceled on the upcoming Wednesday given expected conditions and referred parents to contact the board office for more detail.
