In the event USD 231 closes school due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the information is communicated as soon as the decision is made in the following ways:
Posted on our website
Posted on social media (Facebook and Twitter)
Local television stations (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)
As a district, we are aware of the implications of opening school during less than perfect conditions and of closing schools when poor weather conditions exist, or are predicted. The safety of our students, staff, and parents remains our primary consideration.
Because the district encompasses 100 square miles of Johnson County, the weather can vary significantly, as can road conditions, in different parts of the county. Major roadways may be in good driving condition, but neighborhood and rural roads may remain treacherous.
District students typically travel to school in five ways. Some ride on school buses, some walk to schools or bus stops, some are driven by their parents, some drive themselves, and some are driven by other students. When the school system considers the impact of weather conditions on the ability to open schools, it considers all these methods of transportation.
Some staff members and bus drivers leave home as early as 5:00 a.m. Many working parents need time to make last-minute arrangements for child care. Accordingly, the school system makes every effort to make decisions regarding inclement weather closings or delays prior to 6:00 a.m. Once a decision is made by the Superintendent, it takes approximately 15 - 20 minutes to complete notifying local media, updating the website, and sending text messages.
Oftentimes, snow, sleet, or freezing rain does not start until between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. This sometimes results in schools opening when the conditions are worse than anticipated and closing on days when the weather ends up being not as bad as forecasted. On some days, our residents experience better conditions in some areas of the county and very dangerous conditions in other parts of the county.
The district understands no perfect decision exists. Our goal is to err on the side of caution for the safety of all.
Always remember that each parent should be prepared to make the best decision for his or her own child as it relates to attending school on questionable weather days.
