With the recent severe winter weather, the requirements for a snow day may seem unclear.
If there is a chance of bad weather, at 5 a.m. Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Al Hanna share a conference call with the superintendents of the Olathe and Shawnee Mission districts. According to weather reports, the districts discuss the safety of sending students to school in the severe weather.
Hanna said the deciding factors include the ability for buses to pick up students and student driving on icy roads. If the weather inhibits students from arriving safely, school must be cancelled.
Although there may not be threatening snow or ice on the ground, the district may decide to call a cold day if the temperature is too low for the buses to start or for students to walk safely to school.
Once a consensus is made, the superintendent contacts the major TV stations WDAF-TV, KCTV ,KMBC-TV, KSHB-TV and the radio stations KCUR, KFKF, KBEQ, KMBZ, WDAF.
If inclement weather begins during the school day, the district may decide to dismiss early to ensure all staff and students can arrive home safely.
If unsure of a school cancelation due to severe weather, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org or call (913)239-4600.
By Brice Goldenberg