Superintendent Discusses Complex Process For Closing School During Winter Weather

A section of KY HWY 259N during previous winter weather.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Several frustrated parents have shared concerns on the choice to dismiss in-person school in Edmonson County this week. On one hand, those frustrations are very valid since most households with school children have to make last-minute childcare plans or other scheduling changes. When most all the roads are clear, many ask "why can't they have school today?"

On the other hand, there are a plethora of factors that go into the decision to cancel school, with several school officials involved. One of the biggest factors in Edmonson County is the stark contrast of driving quality from one side of the county to the other, which is not necessarily the fault of road crews, nor anyone else. The fact is, the northern part of the county normally sees more winter precipitation than the south, and many roads in that area are smaller county roads with little traffic and little sunshine.

Salting and plowing the roadways are essential to getting them back in safe driving condition, but without sunshine, many roads don't become completely clear until the temperature gets above freezing for a day or two.

Sunday's winter storm has had different effects on various parts of the county. Today, you can travel virtually every county and state road south of Brownsville and there are little to no slick spots. However, when you travel north, those conditions began to vary for the reasons listed above.

Some areas of Bee Spring and around the lake reported up to 3" of snow this week in spots, with at least one quarter inch of ice. On the south side, barely an inch of snow was reported with about one tenth of an inch of ice. Salting and plowing pretty much took care of the south side, but the north side still has roads that are covered at the time of this article.

We sat down with Edmonson County Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander and asked him to explain the process, which is more complex than what appears on the surface.

"First, we want everyone to know we don't take these decisions lightly," he said. "We understand everyone has routines, childcare, and so many other factors in our lives today. We know that sometimes this puts families at extreme inconveniences, but our priority is the safety and well being of our students."

Mr. Alexander said the work begins with the weather forecast, which is much more reliable in today's times. Director of Transportation, Lannie Deweese frequently sits in on conference calls with weather and emergency officials. Planning is key for ensured safety of students.

He said it has been his and the school board's decision to follow the practice of closing schools prior to a weather impact rather than taking the chance and experiencing one in the middle of the school day.

"The last thing we want is to be in a hurry to get kids home if it starts snowing while school is in session. That presents safety issues that we want to completely avoid. I've always believed it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our students."

After a weather system has impacted the county, other factors are now included, the main one being the roads themselves, but also power outages in areas of the county. He said if the main roadways are covered, which include KY HWYs 101, 259, 185, 728, and 31W, the choice to close school is clear, as all other roads will be hazardous as well.

When those roads are clear, another process then begins, which includes school personnel all across the district physically getting out, usually before daylight, and traveling the roads throughout the county themselves. Not just roads are included, but also bus turnarounds.

"Most people don't realize, but road crews push snow sometimes into our bus turnarounds, and they can't help it," said Alexander. "Our buses obviously have to have safe turnarounds, and this is a factor as well."

He also spoke to the varying conditions across the county, such as is the case today, January 8th.

"There is a great deal of difference in the weather and roads from the northern part of the county to the southern part.  Secondary roads may be fine in one part of the county, but bad in another.  However, a decision must be made for the entire school district. We can't have school at South Edmonson when that area is clear but Kyrock is experiencing issues," he said. "Right now, we can't get our parking lot cleared at Kyrock, which had more snow than the other schools. There has been zero sunshine for four days. It makes a difference."

Lastly, he discussed the decisions to have NTI days (non-traditional instruction) which do not have to be made up, and old fashioned 'snow days,' which must be added back to the calendar somewhere.

"We want the kids to have the longest summer breaks as possible. We start school later than almost any other school around, so the NTI days allow us to be off from school without making them up. School districts are awarded 10 per year and the districts choose how they are used. We try our best to be out of school before Memorial Day and before June if at all possible. These factors limit our flexibility in the school calendar."

Alexander said he knows parents and guardians are frustrated at times.

"We apologize for the disruption that these issues bring on families, but we have to make decisions based on safety first, and for all students in the district at once. We will never take theses decisions lightly and will always put forth our very best effort for all students, faculty, and staff," he said. "Our best effort will always be our standard."