Following the issuance of an e-learning day today, Monday, Jan. 20, Rossville Consolidated School District released its guidelines for making decisions related to delays or closures for students, staff and families.
“We understand that weather conditions in Indiana can be highly variable, and extreme temperatures like those expected (today) warrant careful consideration,” Rossville Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna said. “While we aim to maintain continuity in education, safety will always remain our highest priority.”
The district relies on multiple factors to determine whether opening schools during inclement weather is safe, including road conditions, communication with area schools and weather forecasts. The road conditions are assessed for early-morning travel on state and county roads that allow school officials to assess local hazards. The communication with area schools is utilized to coordinate with neighboring districts to help ensure consistency across communities. Weather forecasts, such as reports and predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are utilized alongside local wind chill assessments to guide the decisions.
Rossville Schools has clear guidelines regarding extreme cold, including:
- Air Temperature: If the air temperature is forecasted to be -10°F or below at 9:00 AM, the district will consider delaying or closing the school.
- Wind Chill: If the wind chill reaches -15°F or below, the start of the school day may be delayed. If it remains dangerously low, a closure may be necessary.
“The safety risks associated with frostbite and exposure to extreme cold are significant,” Dr. Hanna added. “We work to make these decisions as early as possible to give families ample planning time.”
Rossville Schools stated that it respects parents’ decisions to keep their children home on days with severe weather. Parents should notify the school if their child will be absent, and absences for safety concerns will be excused with opportunities to make up missed work.
The district urges caution for families with students driving to school. Parents are encouraged to review road conditions, plan safer travel routes, and remind student drivers to prioritize safety over speed.
The district communicates delays, closures, and early dismissals through ParentSquare, its primary notification system. Families are urged to ensure contact information is updated in PowerSchool. Additional announcements are shared via local radio and television stations and the district’s website.
For further information on Rossville Schools’ weather guidelines, visit www.rcsd.k12.in.us.
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