Orono Superintendent: Student Safety Drives Decision ‘Weather’ to Close
When a winter storm occurs overnight, the process of deciding whether to delay or close school begins around 4 a.m.
By Dr. Karen Orcutt Superintendent of Orono Public Schools Our recent record-setting snowfall tells us that the winter season of the 2012-13 school year has arrived. With inclement weather almost always come questions about the school district’s procedures regarding “snow days.” This column is intended to help you gain a better understanding of how we arrive at those decisions. The decision to shorten a school day, to close school entirely or to remain open is always based on safety. Saving money or past practice are not considerations, as some people may believe. When a winter storm occurs overnight, the process of deciding whether to delay or close school begins around 4 a.m. First Student Transportation, the company that provides our …
