Emergency Closures

Emergency School Closure
The Assistant Superintendent, Corporate Services has the authority to temporarily close schools in emergent situations where the health and/or safety of students and staff may be endangered. 
1.1 Emergency Closure – 
Emergency closure may be required under the following circumstances:
1.1.1 Extreme weather conditions, 
1.1.2 Power failure,
1.1.3 Water and sewer problems, 
1.1.4 Fire, or 
1.1.5 Any other situations that may endanger the health and safety of students and staff. 

1.2 Early Dismissal and/or Closure 
1.2.1 Whenever possible, students are to remain at school until normal school closure. 
1.2.2 If early school closure is required, the decision shall rest with the Assistant Superintendent, Corporate Services. 
1.2.3 If the Principal is unable to contact the Assistant Superintendent, Corporate Services to make the decision in a reasonable period of time, the Principal is then authorized to make the decision to enact early closure. 
1.2.4 If early closure occurs, the Principal must ensure that parents and/or guardians are informed. 
1.2.5 Bus drivers are to ensure that each child is left in the care of a responsible person when the bus reaches the child’s home, or make arrangements for an alternative drop-off. 1.3 Partial System Closure In some circumstances, especially when inclement weather is involved, it may be necessary to decide to close one (1) or more schools in a particular busing service area. Such a decision shall be made by the Assistant Superintendent, Corporate Services, and shall be communicated to all concerned parties as outlined elsewhere in these procedures. |
1.4 System Closure When a decision is made by the Assistant Superintendent, Corporate Services to close all the schools in the jurisdiction, that decision shall be communicated to the media and to all other concerned parties as outlined elsewhere in these procedures. 
1.5 In all circumstances where there is a school closure, the Principal must ensure that there is a responsible staff member at the school to look after the needs of any students who may not have been aware of the school closure and who arrive at the school. 
1.6 When schools are closed, teachers and support staff will not be required to attend school.