EBCD Emergency Closings

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

The Superintendent is authorized by the School Committee to close the schools or dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the health or safety of students or school employees.

While weather and road conditions in Wayland will be monitored to determine whether students and staff can travel safely to and from the individual schools, the Superintendent will be mindful of these conditions throughout the greater Boston area. In situations where travel to and from Wayland is severely restricted for non—resident students and staff, thus denying them access to the schools, the Superintendent is authorized to close all or part of the school district.

In making the decision to close schools, the Superintendent will consider many factors, including the following principal ones relating to the fundamental concern for safety and health of the children:

• Weather conditions, both existing and predicted.

• Driving, traffic, and parking conditions affecting public and private transportation facilities.

• Actual occurrence or imminent possibility of any emergency condition that would make the operation of schools difficult or dangerous.

• Inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which might result in inadequate supervision of students.

The Superintendent will weigh these factors and take action to close the schools after consultation with the highway department and public safety authorities.

The Superintendent shall establish, and make known to the public, means for informing the public, students, and staff members in the event of emergency closing of the schools.

The Superintendent shall also arrange for, and make known to the public, procedures for early dismissal of schools should weather or other emergencies arise while school is in session.

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. c.71:4; 71:4A

CROSS REF.: EBC, Emergency Plans