sNOwdays

The season of snow days is upon us, and our district has yet to call a day off. The seacoast has certainly experienced some snowfall already, especially with the storm on January 16th, which closed the majority of New Hampshire schools. However, while students of Saint Thomas and Winnacunnet were blissfully asleep in the AM, the faculty and students of EHS were forced to traverse through the dangerous climate of iced-over roads, limited visibility, and snow-covered cars to arrive at the school. You may be wondering, why is it that our neighboring schools had the day off when we were forced to come to school in treacherous conditions? Well, I have the answer for you, and it’s all thanks to the Associate Superintendent’s explanation, which is probably pure bologna. 

In November of last year, an email titled “2023 Snow Day Rationale” was sent out to all faculty and parents of SAU16. The message contained a two-page document outlining the seemingly rigorous process that our administration supposedly practices to determine which storms are worthy of a snow day. I took the liberty of analyzing this document and breaking it down into the various measures that the district claims to be taking.

“Our first step in addressing incoming weather takes place the day or days before the

weather is expected to arrive.” 

This is certainly valid. Students know what it’s like to hope for a snow day multiple days ahead of a predicted storm, so it's respectable that our admin takes the time out of their busy schedules to consult with “5 or 6 different weather forecasting tools”, especially weather.gov or accuweather.com. The document also notes, “our goal would be to be able to make a decision the night before”, but it is often challenging to do this simply based on meteorology. This step is likely taken by administrators, and it is the most believable described in the letter.

“On the morning of the weather event, I begin my day at 3:30 AM monitoring any changes to the weather patterns and forecasts.”

According to the document, Mr. Andriski wakes up extra early to assess the weather conditions. During these early hours, the critical decision must be made. To do this, the Associate Superintendent first makes a call to the Director of Facilities Operations, who, according to the document, spends his morning “driving the roads that our children’s buses and faculty members will be commuting on later that morning.” With our last storm and the numerous accidents that occurred, it is feasible to say that if Mr. Lyster had been testing the roads so diligently, he would have realized that the hazardous roads were no place for teen drivers or operators of top-heavy school buses. Does Mr. Lyster truly drive about in his vehicle the morning of snowstorms? It is doubtful.

“After being briefed about our local conditions, I will consult with at least 13 different

area superintendents to discuss their plans for the day and how the weather may be affecting their towns and schools.”

If it is true that 13 calls are actually being made to 13 surrounding districts, this past snowstorm, it is likely that Mr. Andriski received at least 10 indications of nearby schools closing. One would think that with 13 phone calls with the overwhelming majority reporting the closure of a neighboring school, the Associate Superintendent would have chosen to cash in on one of SAU16’s built-in snow days which is already established in the 2023-2024 school year calendar. 

“After all of the calls, texts and information is digested, I will make a recommendation to Dr. Asbell no later than 5:00 am about the need for a school closure or delay based on student and staff safety and well being.”

Mr. Andriski claims that the decision is in the best interest of the school community. But with the prior decision of a 2-hour delay on January 8th causing backlash from many parents, one can’t help but wonder if he thought he had to keep the school open to avoid that kind of conflict again. 

So, what do you think? Is it believable that all of these measures are taken each time snow is in the forecast, or do our school officials simply make the call based on what they think is right?