Board Policy

Policy 510 — Emergency Closing

Grasslands Public Schools

PREAMBLE

The Grasslands Board of Trustees believes that schools in the division have the responsibility to remain open, if at all possible. The safety of the students shall be the primary criterion to determine whether a school remains open.

GUIDELINES

1. School closing decisions will be made for individual schools. In communities with more than one school, the decision to close a specific school will be a collaborative decision coordinated through the Board office. A decision to close a school will be based on the following:
   1. Power outage; utilities failure (and the expected duration of same)
   2. Emergent reasons
2. If the school is not safe for occupants, the principal will arrange for students to go to the prearranged emergency evacuation location until transportation home can be arranged.
3. If the decision is to close a school prior to the school day commencing.
   1. The superintendent or designate will notify the transportation supervisor, the manager of communications and the radio station as soon as feasible after the decision has been made to close a school (preferably by 7:30 a.m. in cases where the school will not open.)
   2. Principals will ensure that a plan is implemented to accommodate students and parents who did not hear closure announcements. All commonly used student entrances to the school will be opened by 8:00 a.m., or students will be directed to the emergency evacuation location.
   3. Principals will ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for any students who do arrive at school to be kept safe until they can return home.
   4. No student under 12 will be sent from school earlier than usual unless an adult or older sibling is home, or another parent-approved adult takes the student from the school.
   5. If a student(s) cannot be picked up from the school, the principal will arrange for billeting with the designated emergency contact as indicated on the registration form.
   6. When the school is closed for students, staff members will be given specific directions regarding their attendance and/or reassignment to other schools.
   7. School closure will normally preclude students participating in school or school-sponsored events that day or evening.
4. If the decision is to close a school during the school day.
   1. The superintendent or designate principal will notify the transportation supervisor, the manager of communications and the radio station as soon as feasible after the decision has been made to close a school. No student under 12 will be dropped off earlier than usual unless an adult or older sibling is home.
   2. The principal will coordinate contact with parents to transport students who do not travel by bus.
   3. Students will remain at the school or the emergency evacuation location until transportation has been arranged.
   4. If a student(s) cannot be picked up from the school, the principal will arrange for billeting with the designated emergency contact as indicated on the registration form.