School Snow Days and Fair Grove’s Process

This past week Fair Grove had three days off of school on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of January. However; there, are many steps taken in advance before school is officially cancelled.

The first steps are taken as soon as the forecast shows signs of bad weather. From then on the people that start monitoring the timing of each weather event are the transportation director, maintenance, custodial directors, and the superintendent. Mr. Bell, Fair Grove superintendent, comments, “Once it is determined there is an imminent threat, I along with other Southwest superintendents participate in a conference call with the National Weather Service where detailed information is shared.” This call normally takes place at the scheduled time of 4:15am, and it can sometimes take place later on in the day. Right after this call the roads are tested and monitored around the district.

Other main factors that play a role in the final decision are the wind chill, freezing temperatures, serious threats of winter weather, and road conditions. Mr. Bell himself usually drives the district routes using his own car. He states, “This helps give us a better perspective of what driving conditions the students and the community will experience as they drive to school.” Another outlet and source the Fair Grove uses is staying in contact with neighboring school officials on evaluating winter weather conditions. Knowing other areas current situations gives a wide perspective on what’s happening outside district boundaries.

Fair Grove along with other school districts have their superintendent make the final call and are the main people in charge of this process. Once the final say is made to call school off, the operation directors are notified first, then staff, and finally the community. The message is sent out by the Fair Grove Eagle App which goes out to all parent/guardians in the area. Local TV and radio stations are also contacted to get the word out to the remaining community. Mr. Bell exclaims, “Keeping students, staff, and the community safe and secure is our number one priority when determining if school should be cancelled. If there is ever a doubt the safety of our school is in question, we’re on the side of caution.” The following make up days will be on February 16th, and the 19th, and March 30th.