Inclement Weather & School Closing Information
WHO IS WATCHING THE WEATHER?
The superintendent and administrative staff carefully monitor weather conditions during seasons of inclement weather.
WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION?
The school district staff listens to weather forecasts. The director of transportation monitors and tests road conditions on bus routes and our maintenance departments checks school power conditions. Local and state law enforcement agencies and neighboring school systems are consulted about road conditions. Careful consideration is given to the most dangerous bus routes in the district.
WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO CLOSE SCHOOL?
The safety of all Forsyth County children is the primary concern. Even if it looks clear on your street, dangerous conditions may exist in some other part of the district. In deciding whether the children will be safe, the following factors are considered:
- Information on road conditions from the director of transportation and law enforcement agencies, including whether roads are iced or icing;
- Time snow or ice starts and the amount;
- Weather predictions;
- Building conditions (e.g., whether we have power and heat);
- Parking lot and sidewalk conditions; and
- Temperature and wind-chill factor.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The superintendent of schools is responsible for making the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the district staff.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The superintendent tries to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. so that the broadcast media can be notified.
HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
Forsyth County school closings will be announced on the local and metro broadcast media outlets, the school system website, www.forsyth.k12.ga.us , and on the automated voice service at (770) 887-2461. Subscribers to FCS' enewsletters will also receive an email notifying them on closings or delays. Additionally, closings are posted on www.facebook.com/FCSchools and www.twitter.com/FCSchoolsGA .
IF THERE IS NO CLOSING MESSAGE ON FCS' WEBSITE OR MAIN VM GREETING, THEN SCHOOL IS OPEN.
WHAT IF SCHOOL CLOSES DURING THE DAY?
If school closes during the school day all students will be sent home in the usual manner (bus, day-care van, etc.) unless other directions are on file with the teacher. It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned directions during emergency closures. Parents should plan in advance for early school closings. Make sure that the child knows where to go, how to get there and what to do upon arrival. The public will be notified by the same methods listed above.
WHAT IF SCHOOL OPENING IS DELAYED?
If school opening is delayed, please follow the same routine/schedule as normal, but push back the start time by two hours.
