Many have asked why schools are open or why there was no delay when it was snowing. I thought I would explain the process for those with questions.

 

The process begins a bit after 4 am in the morning. First, I speak with our weather service. Following that I talk with the police dispatcher who will give me a report from the DPW as to road conditions in Southwick. Weather can be quite different in Granville and Tolland due to the elevation of those towns so I speak with their DPW directors. Sometimes these reports will be the deciding factor. I also talk with the Director of Transportation for any input he has on the safety of the buses and drivers.

 

After gathering data on our own communities, I talk with other local superintendents. We have a network to communicate and discuss what the safest decision would be. Some times there are three or four calls back and forth before a decision is made. Superintendents from Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, West Springfield and I are all in contact with one another before a decision is made. Normally, you will see us all doing the same thing. Each of our communities has their own unique problems, however, so once in a while you will see differences in the decisions. We have the elevations of Granville and Tolland, for example; Westfield has some issues of snow removal on the back roads to contend with.

 

The goal is to make the decision to cancel or delay the opening by 5 am but no later than 5:15 am. We have bus drivers who travel to Springfield to pick up METCO students leaving the garage shortly after 5:30 am. If there is to be a cancellation or delay, then television and radio are notified.  

 

The final step in this process is to go to the computer and send the phone message to all student and staff homes at 6 am. I know this is early for some and late for others but it seems the best time for all. Lastly, I pray that I have made the correct decision.

 

I hope this gives some insight into the process of deciding to cancel or delay the opening of school.  There are many steps undertaken before a decision is made. Foremost in our minds is the safety of students and staff. We live in New England and it will snow, sleet, freeze and more. We have to deal with it. Parents who feel it is better to keep their children home on questionable days may do so by notifying their child’s school and explaining your decision.