WHO IS WATCHING THE WEATHER?

The Director of Schools, Director of Transportation, and other administrative staff carefully watch the weather conditions during seasons of possible inclement weather.

WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION?

Our school district staff listens to the weather forecasts.  The Director of Transportation tests the road conditions on our bus routes beginning at 3:30-4:00 a.m.  We also contact the local law enforcement about road conditions.  We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous routes in the district; even if it looks clear on your street, dangerous conditions may exist in other parts of our district.

WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO CLOSE SCHOOL?

The safety of all Cheatham County children is our primary concern in making our decision.  In deciding whether children will be safe, we look at the following factors:

            * Information on road conditions from the Director of Transportation and from law enforcement, including whether our roads are icy

            * Time snow or ice starts and the amount

            * Weather predictions

            * Building conditions (e.g., whether schools have power and heat)

            * Parking lot conditions

            * Temperature and wind-chill.

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?

The Director of Schools is responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the Director of Transportation and other administrative staff.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

The decision is made by 5:00 a.m., except in situations when inclement weather may force school closings during the school day, so that radio and television stations can be notified.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

Parents, students and staff are initially notified using our new phone automated contact system - SchoolReach™ - provided by Community Savings Bank®. This helps us provide quick information that affectsour entire school community in a matter of moments. Additionally, all local media outlets are contacted. Below are the media sites that are notified of Cheatham County School closings:

            TELEVISION STATIONS                  RADIO STATIONS

                WKRN-TV (Channel 2)                          WQSV (790 AM)

                WSMV-TV (Channel 4)                           WSM (750 AM)

                WTVF-TV (Channel 5)

                WZTZ-TV (Channel 17)

WHAT IF SCHOOL CLOSES DURING THE DAY?

Parents should make sure their child’s teacher has on file a written explanation of what the student should do in the event that school closes during the day.  If school closes during the day, all students will be set home on their regular bus or daycare van unless other directions are on file.  It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned-in directions under such circumstances.