School Closing Decision Making: Frequently Asked Questions
Launch the media gallery 1 playerHave you ever wondered who makes the decision to cancel school on a bad weather day? Well, the final determination is made by the Neoga Superintendent of Schools, however not without input from key community stakeholders. Making the decision to cancel or dismiss early is one of the most difficult challenges for the Superintendent of Schools because like weather forecasting, the school-closing decision process is not a perfect science. This document is intended to help families understand how the process works.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
The Neoga Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Transportation Director, Principals, School Maintenance and Custodial staff, Neoga Police and Fire officials, county road commissioners, and Cumberland County Police officials, makes the final decision to cancel school. The goal is to make a decision as soon as possible so that parents have time to make arrangements for childcare and adjusted work schedules and so that school staff may adjust their schedule in terms of work travel. If a decision can be made the evening before that is the most ideal situation.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close the school. Information on road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature, and wind chill, and estimated times provided by the local Public Works as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice.
How is the information acquired?
District staff and Superintendent monitor state and local weather forecasts. Neoga Police and Fire officials, and county road commissioners, provide updates on neighborhood road
conditions. The Superintendent personally drives many district roads checking on safe traveling conditions. The Superintendent consults with Superintendents in adjoining communities as well.
What are parents’ responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but the school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: by allowing extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late. Parents of children that require child care we ask you have backup plans in the event of short-notice cancelations or early dismissals. Early dismissals happen less often, but they do happen as weather conditions can deteriorate quickly.
How are days made-up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 176 days. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made- up beginning with March 9th as our first Emergency Day. Our second Emergency Day is April 6th. The five remaining Emergency days are May 23, 24, 25, 26, and 30.
How do power outages affect the decision if the weather is stable?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open the school. Other factors also influence the decision, including the number of neighborhoods without power, and road conditions impacted by power outages (down lines, etc..).
How is the public notified?
- We will send a TeacherEase call/text message, and we will send an email via TeacherEase. Make sure you are able to receive calls/messages from the school number 217-775-6049. If you have given the school your phone number and working email and your phone is charged and capable of receiving messages these messages will go directly to you.
- We will post announcements on the school website and social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- We will notify the following radio and television stations:
- Radio: WMCI Mattoon, WXEF and KJ Country in Effingham, WCRA/WCRC in Effingham
- Television (Sometimes it is difficult to get messages to television stations making this mode of communication less reliable): WCIA Champaign, WAND Decatur, WICD Springfield, WEIU Charleston