Balancing the need for students to be in school, adhering to the state mandates for the number of days schools must be in session, and safeguarding students, parents and staff, while at the same time, trying to second guess the weather is a tall order for school superintendents.
During a meeting on October 7, the Plymouth School Board considered another measure that could be used during inclement weather to delay the school start time.
Superintendent Daniel Tyree explained that the call to delay school must be made by 6:00 A.M. By 8:00 A.M. a decision must be made and broadcasted to either just delay school or cancel altogether. Parts of the process include checking media weather forecasts, observing conditions, receiving information from other staff members in various parts of the school district, contacting state police, and conferring with the Marshal County Highway Department for the status of snow plowing.
Tyree said they currently use two-hour delays when road conditions are severe or visibility is low; however, state statute does allow superintendents to call three-hour delays. Tyree said, “It would keep us from losing a day of school by going to a three-hour delay.” He added, “I would use it sparingly.” He said if the three-hour delay had been in place last school year, it could have been used two times.
A three-hour delay would necessitate adding an extra hour on to the school day. Steven Boyer, Menominee Elementary Principal, said they would simply move every period back an hour. Dave Schoff, transportation director, said, “It makes good sense to me. In terms of safety, that extra hour would make a difference.”
Although the superintendent has the discretion to use the three-hour delay, he brought the matter to the School Board for discussion. Board President Todd Samuelson acted on suggestions from the Board members present to consider the idea again during the next board meeting in November. In The meantime, Tyree said he would send out a survey to all of the parents/guardians who have children in the district asking them for their opinions and concerns. Tyree said, “I expect to be able to send a survey electronically next week.”
Referring to the need for parents to secure child care and the difficulties it would cause, Board member Jenny Sickmiller said, (in terms of weather) “I don’t see a really big difference between a two-hour delay and a three-hour delay.” She explained that she would have to stay home with her two children who are in grade school if there is a delay and three hours would be difficult with her job as well as for other parents.
Tyree said he is aware that child care would need to be adjusted, extra-curricular activities would likely finish later in the evenings, and students with jobs would need to work out the delay with their employers. He said there would need to be communication with groups such as St. Michaels, Boys and Girls Club, and Before and After School Child Care.
He also listed the advantages that he sees including: Avoiding needless make-up days, ensuring safer transportation to school during bad weather, allowing the highway department to have a longer time to clear roads, and taking advantage of the IDOE (Indiana Department of Education) rules for bad weather.
Carol Anders Correspondent
