Parent says school required attendance at winter event despite advisory; superintendent apologizes
Summary
A parent told the board his son was required to attend an evening Winter Fantasia performance amid a National Weather Service advisory and questioned why the district did not postpone or mitigate icy sidewalks; Superintendent Dr. Madison apologized and said the district "got it wrong."
A parent identified during public comment said his son was required to attend a Winter Fantasia evening performance on Dec. 13 while weather advisories and falling snow made roads and sidewalks hazardous.
"Snow had started falling prior to the Winter Fantasia performance beginning at 7 p.m.," the parent said, noting the National Weather Service issued an advisory earlier in the day that forecast "additional snow accumulation up to 2 inches" and warned of slippery road conditions. He said he observed no snow removal or salting at the school when he dropped off and picked up his son and worried about student drivers and younger drivers navigating the roads.
Superintendent Dr. Madison acknowledged the concern during the meeting and apologized: "On Saturday night, we got it wrong," he said, adding that he and staff had discussed the conditions. He thanked the parent for raising the issue and said the district would try to do better in future decisions about after-school events.
No immediate policy change was enacted during the meeting; board members discussed possibly clarifying procedures for monitoring weather during after-school activities and ensuring parents are informed when conditions change.
