Delays & Closures
Decisions on delays and closures involve an in-depth process, engaging a dedicated team within the district, and collaborating with neighboring administrations.
The primary concern is ensuring the safety of our students and staff. Even though weather decisions pose challenges, Hillsdale Local Schools is committed to making the best choices for everyone's well-being.
Criteria
Delay vs. Closure
A school delay is implemented when the administration determines that an additional two hours will significantly improve road conditions and external temperatures, enhancing overall safety.
A delay also allows for increased daylight, which can be beneficial in uncertain weather conditions.
However, if a two-hour delay would not meaningfully improve road safety, school may be closed for the day.
Temperature Specifications
If the temperature, including wind chill, is around -15°F or lower, we will consider a delay if
conditions are expected to improve above -15°F by 9 AM.
However, if temperatures are not expected to rise above this threshold by that time, school may be closed for the day.
Decision-Making Process
Anticipating Severe Weather Conditions
At Hillsdale Local Schools, we begin assessing potential delays or closures the night before
when severe weather is expected. The administration closely monitors forecasts, radar data,
and weather apps while also coordinating with neighboring districts. Our goal is to make an
informed decision early, ensuring that if a delay is called, it is likely to hold. However, weather
conditions can shift unexpectedly, making these decisions challenging.
Morning Assessments: Checking Roads and Communicating
By 4 AM, our administration is out assessing road conditions and temperatures across the
district and communicating with other administrative teams in the area. Multiple team members
cover different areas to ensure a thorough evaluation. We also maintain close communication
with neighboring school districts to gather additional insights throughout the process before
making a final decision.
Why Decisions May Differ Among Districts
Surrounding districts may sometimes make different decisions based on their unique conditions.
Weather patterns can vary even between neighboring areas, and road conditions may differ
significantly. Additionally, some districts have large numbers of students who walk to school,
which factors into their decision-making differently than at Hillsdale, where walking students are
minimal.
Balancing Safety and Educational Priorities: A Delicate Challenge
Student and staff safety is our top priority, but we also recognize the importance of maintaining
instructional time. Making these decisions is not an exact science, and we rely on all available
resources to make the best possible call with the information at hand. While no decision will
ever be perfect, we remain committed to prioritizing safety while minimizing disruptions to
learning.
Announcing Decisions
The 5:30 AM Goal: Providing Ample Time
The goal is to announce the initial decision by 5:30 AM, giving families ample time to plan for any delays or closures. If a delay evolves into a closure, the aim is to make that call by 7:30 AM.
Unpredictable Nature of Weather: Challenges and Adaptations
However, due to the unpredictable nature of the weather, it is not always possible to meet these goals. Despite our best efforts to be prompt and adhere to an initial decision, weather conditions may necessitate adjustments. In these cases, the district appreciates the understanding of its families regarding the challenges inherent in making these decisions.
Communication Methods
The district will communicate any delays or closures through its mass messaging system. Families are automatically enrolled for these notifications upon enrollment. However, if a family chooses to opt out of receiving messages, the system will respect that decision even in emergencies.
Ensuring the district has up-to-date contact information is crucial for timely and accurate communication. This ensures that you receive important notifications about delays, closures, and other essential information. Please take a moment to review and update your contact details regularly to help us keep you informed effectively.
While we strive for seamless communication, we understand that technology may occasionally present challenges. In the rare event of message delivery issues, we encourage families to visit our district website or check our social media channels for timely updates if doubts occur.
In addition to the messaging system, we also report delays or closures to the local radio stations, WNCO and WQKT, as well as the Cleveland-area news stations.