With temperatures starting to cool and snow falling in other parts of the country, its time to review school closing/delay procedures. The safety and security of our children is our highest priority.

Our school district covers 46 square miles of city roads. In the case of inclement weather, school officials start monitoring road  conditions no later than 4:00 a.m. I am in contact with our Director of Operations, the Transportation Director and Marion County Superintendents. The Transportation Director also talks with other local directors to gather information. I also drive the roads myself many times to personally assess the current road conditions in our district.

Every attempt is made to make a final decision on delaying or cancelling school by 5:15 a.m. so that parents can make child care arrangements. We understand and are sensitive to your needs of taking care of your family.

As soon as a decision is made, the Blackboard Connect message system is activated and begins notifying families through a telephone calling system. Television stations are contacted quickly so the cancellation or delay list can be updated. Delay and closing information can also be accessed through the districts web site (www.msdpt.k12.in.us), and local television stations web sites.

Rarely will we dismiss early for snow. Often the road conditions are better at dismissal time because crews have had time to clear and treat the roads prior to the end of the school day. In addition, we are concerned that parents may not receive the notification and run the risk to taking children home to an empty house.  The decision to dismiss school early has to be made by 11:00 a.m. in order for drivers to be called in and buses ready to go.

Dr. Thomas J. Little, Jr., Superintendent of Perry Township Schools