The Principal of a
school will close the school:
1. When the wind
chill factor as determined by Environment Canada and announced on CKX, CJRB or
CKLQ radio station at 6:30 – 7 a.m. exceeds "feels like -46°C" or
colder.
2. If travel on
the majority of roads within the school catchment area is extremely dangerous
and/or impossible due to heavy snowfall, heavy fog, blowing snow, or ice.
3. If roads
within the catchment area are closed by the R.C.M.P.
Following the decision to close the school, the principal
will advise the Superintendent and/or the Secretary-Treasurer of the decision.
In determining if one or more of the above conditions
requires the closure of the school in his/her charge, the principal may consult
with the local designated head bus driver. For this purpose, by September 30 of
each year, the bus drivers shall appoint a head driver for each community.
If a school is closed due to inclement weather:
1. Buses shall not run. Bus drivers shall
not lose pay.
2. No students
will be allowed to attend school. No students shall be marked absent.
3. With the
exception of school custodial staff, staff is not expected to be at school and
no pay shall be deducted from staff that does not arrive at school.
4. Custodial
staff will be required to arrive at each school on a daily basis as is required
for boiler maintenance and other preventative maintenance. Alternative plans
may be made if custodial staff is unable to reach the school because of
inclement weather.
Non-school facilities:
During periods of inclement weather in the communities in
which they are located, non-school based facilities such as the Division
Office(s) and Bus Garage(s) may be closed at the discretion of the
Superintendent or Secretary-Treasurer. Staff shall not lose pay.
If weather conditions are less than ideal but not severe
enough to warrant the closure of a school or non-school based facility:
1. All staff are expected to be at work.
2. A reduction of
pay will be made for staff that miss work.
3. Staff who have
personal days available may use them to avoid losing pay.
4. Individual bus
drivers may elect to not drive their route if they feel that conditions are
hazardous. They shall not lose pay.
If a bus driver elects to not drive his/her route,
the bus driver shall:
1. The school division assumes no
responsibility for the safety of students travelling to or from school of their
own choice to attend school.
2. Schools must have an emergency billet
plan designed to accommodate students who are unable to be transported home at
the end of the school day.
3. If inclement weather develops during the
school day students will be billeted and bus service will be cancelled for that
particular day. The decision will be made before 2:00 p.m. Otherwise bus
service will continue that afternoon.
The principal will make the announcement of school closure,
on the appropriate radio stations.