Process for determining when to close or delay
school due to weather conditions
The Schenectady City School District uses strict criteria when deciding
whether to close school for the day, cancel afternoon and evening activities, or dismiss students earlier than normal. The superintendent of schools ultimately is responsible for all such decisions. Remember, even if school is not closed, it is a parent's right to keep their child home if they believe it is not safe for the student to travel to and from school. The district will regard this action as a legal absence.
Closing School for the Entire Day
If it appears that students cannot be transported safely to school in the morning or home at the end of the school day, Schenectady schools will not open.
If either possibility is a concern, the Transportation Supervisor, Buildings & Grounds Supervisor, and the Director of Planning & Accountability will gather information regarding road conditions, current weather conditions, forecasted developments, and the ability of municipal agencies to keep up with the weather. Concerns regarding any of these areas will be shared by 5 a.m. If there is going to be a delay or closure, this recommendation must be made to the superintendent by 5:30 a.m.
Afterschool and Evening Activities
If students cannot be transported to and from afternoon and/or evening activities safely, they will be canceled. The Transportation Supervisor, a school principal, or the Athletic Director must notify the superintendent of their weather-related concerns by 12:30 p.m. to cancel afterschool activities and by 2:00 p.m. to cancel evening activities.
Early Dismissal During Inclement Weather
The district's philosophy is to avoid early dismissal. We do not want parents rushing home, often on less-than-ideal roadways, or children being let off the bus at houses where an adult is not home. We believe keeping children at school is the best way to keep them safe when bad weather occurs during the school day. However, In the event that this is a necessary, action notification will be made as early in the morning as possible.
Ways to Stay Informed
If there are any changes in school operation hours or closings, families will receive an automated phone call from the superintendent of schools informing them of the decision. In addition to the automated call, this information will be made available on the district website at www.schenectady.k12.ny.us, shared with the local radio and TV stations and sent out via our e-blast system.
Wind Chills and Cold Temperatures
Severe climate conditions where temperatures and wind chill dip into certain extreme ranges can cause concerns for the safety of children. The National Weather Service will begin to issue media advisories when wind chills of -15 degrees are predicted and warnings when wind chills of -25 degrees are predicted. No one should be outside with unprotected skin with wind-chill factors in the range of -40 degrees. When wind chills of -25 degrees are predicted, the district may be placed on a cold weather alert. When persistent wind chills are -25 degrees or below, we are likely to close school.