The district has studied a two-hour delay as part of the decision to keep school open or to close. As we studied this option we involved a variety of staff, community, and parents. Based upon the vast differences in the 119-square mile geographic areas of the district, it was determined that in those rare cases when a two-hour delay would be an option, it would be more appropriate to close school for that day. Part of this reasoning is based upon those situations in which a two-hour delay would eventually become a school closing. Students may be left without child care, care givers outside the district may not be appropriately prepared for the change, a student may be left at a bus stop for an extended period of time waiting on a bus, or an individual may not receive word of the change.
Our 180+ buses serve multiple schools, both inside and outside the district, in a three-tiered system. It is not feasible to operate a delayed-start schedule.
At this time, the district has determined that it will make the decision to stay open or to close based upon the conditions that exist first thing in the morning. While this could ultimately close school for an additional day, we believe that it is safer for students and staff than the alternative. Therefore, at this time, the district will not use a two-hour delay as an option.