Delaying, closing or early dismissal of school because of inclement weather
With the approach of the winter season, Morgan County Superintendent of Schools David Banks announces the following information concerning the delaying, closing or early dismissal of school because of inclement weather.
The transportation director, John Gue, and assistant superintendent, Joan Willard, are responsible for assessing and monitoring road and weather conditions. The assessment includes inspecting road conditions, reviewing temperatures and related factors, and communicating with the Department of Highways, Office of Emergency Services, transportation staff, emergency operations staff, and various weather services. In consideration of current conditions, storm warnings, and/or any hazardous forecasts, the transportation director, in consultation with the assistant superintendent, will advise the superintendent if school delay or closing is necessary.
If school is going to be delayed or closed, a media announcement will be made by 5:45 a.m.
Whenever school is delayed, all schools and buses will operate two hours later than the normal schedule. The transportation director and assistant superintendent will continue to monitor roads and weather forecasts and communicate with various agencies and transportation staff. If conditions have not improved, the superintendent will be notified if it is necessary to close school and a media announcement will be made by 7:45 a.m.
On some days, school will be held, but buses may not travel their entire route because of road conditions. The bus operator and transportation director are responsible for determining any particular sections of a route which will not be run. The transportation director will attempt to notify parents by phone and will provide an announcement to the local media whenever a bus is not going to travel the entire run.
The early dismissal of school may occur whenever weather and road conditions begin deteriorating during the school day. The transportation director and assistant superintendent will assess and monitor conditions on such days and notify the superintendent if early dismissal is necessary. Any announcement to the media of early dismissal will be made 90 minutes or more prior to the dismissal.
Athletic events, extracurricular activities, practices, and after school programs will be cancelled when there is an early dismissal or school is closed. Exceptions may occur if conditions improve and the instructor/ coach has permission of the school principal after consultation with the assistant superintendent and/or transportation director to proceed.
Rapidly changing or unexpected conditions may necessitate immediate action and/or a variance in this process or timelines.
Information concerning the delaying, closing or early dismissal of school will be provided to the following media:
WDHC - 93.5 FM - Berkeley Springs
WICL - 95.9 FM - Martinsburg
WEPM - 1340 AM - Martinsburg
WLTF - 97.5 FM - Williamsport
WINC - 92.5 FM - Winchester
WV Public Broadcasting - 88.9 FM - Martinsburg
WUSQ (Q102) 102.5 - Winchester
WKLT - 1390 AM - Keyser
WQZK - 94.1 FM - Keyser
WDYK - 100.5 - Keyser
WCBC - 1270 AM/107/99.5 FM - Cumberland
WTBO - 1450 AM - Cumberland
WKGO - 106.1 FM - Cumberland
WRNR - 740 AM - Martinsburg
WFRB - 105.3 FM - Frostburg
WCRH - 90.5 FM - Williamsport
WHAG NBC 25/Channel 12 - Hagerstown
WUSA CBS Channel 9 - Washington
WRC NBC Channel 4 - Washington
WTTG FOX Channel 5 - Washington
WJLA ABC Channel 7 - Washington
Information will be provided to the Morgan Messenger and The Journal (Martinsburg), when timely, and on the following websites: West Virginia Department of Education Web Page (http://wvde.state.wv.us) and Morgan County Schools Web Page (http://www.morganschools.net). A direct email announcement is available from both of these sites. Information will also be available by calling the Morgan County Schools Emergency Hotline #258-2430, extension 45.
Make-up days, if needed, are scheduled for June 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
For additional information or questions, contact Gue at 258-1685 or Willard at 258-2430, extension 13.
