Alerts Sign-up
As colder weather approaches, Union County Public Schools has outlined its Inclement Weather Plan to prioritize student safety. The plan, announced by Superintendent Dr. Terra Hancock, emphasizes the importance of being proactive in ensuring the safe transportation of students during adverse weather conditions.
The decision to close or delay school is described as one of the most challenging for superintendents and transportation directors. According to Dr. Hancock, "Any Superintendent or Transportation Director will tell you that one of their most difficult decisions is whether to close, delay, or open school on days of inclement weather." This decision involves evaluating the probability of safely transporting students and is based on assessments from district personnel and consultations with various agencies.
The process begins when there is an alert about impending inclement weather. District personnel and weather spotters assess road conditions throughout the county. Officials maintain contact with law enforcement agencies, emergency management personnel, and the National Weather Service for updates. A decision regarding school operations is typically made by 5:30 a.m., but it may be revised if conditions change rapidly.
Factors considered in making these decisions include weather forecasts from media outlets, timing and accumulation predictions for snow or ice, post-weather conditions, assessments from local authorities, parking lot safety at schools, building accessibility, and anticipated traffic impact.
If severe weather occurs during school hours, efforts are made to keep students until regular dismissal unless early dismissal becomes necessary for safe transport. School officials monitor conditions in collaboration with local weather officials and law enforcement.
Parents are advised to have a plan ready for early dismissals and should rely on automated calls and district social media pages for updates rather than calling schools directly due to limited staffing.
Information about closures or delays will be broadcasted through specific television channels such as WEHT (25), WFIE (14), WEVV (44) in Evansville; radio station WMSK 101.3 in Morganfield; as well as through automated systems and Facebook page announcements.
Dr. Hancock expressed appreciation for parents' trust in ensuring student safety: "Thank you for entrusting us to ensure the safety of your child each day."
For further inquiries about this process or procedures during inclement weather events, parents are encouraged to contact their school principals or the Union County Schools Transportation Department at (270) 389-9083.
