Perry County School Officials say they are watching winter weather closely to determine if school will be in session on Monday

PERRY COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – Perry County Schools say they are watching the weather closely to decide if school will be in session on Monday.

“We are closely following the weather forecasts, which indicate the possibility of a significant winter storm for our area,” said Garrett Schott, the district’s safety director. “We are making all necessary preparations to have school on Monday, but are also planning for the event that icy road conditions may keep us out of school for a few days longer.”

The district says they follow the following inclement weather procedures:

-The Superintendents, Transportation Directors, and Safety Director monitor forecasts of inclement weather and provide available information to staff and families. They monitor forecasts from The National Weather Service offices in Paducah and St. Louis, Accuweather, KFVS-12, and KSDK-5.

·-Once a weather event begins, the team uses several methods to assess road/sidewalk conditions as well as the status of parking lots/walkways on campus: They are in contact with city and county law enforcement, MoDOT, and the county road department, and they physically drive bus routes in every part of the county.

– The safety of all students and staff is of paramount importance when making the decision to cancel classes. The team is tasked with deciding whether the majority of staff and students can safely make it to and from school on that day – whether they travel in a vehicle with parents, drive themselves, ride a school bus, or walk. The announcement to cancel school is made as soon as possible, usually by 5:45 am the day of school. However, the call may come later if wintry precipitation has not begun at that time.

They say to keep in mind that even when city streets and sidewalks appear passable, it can often take a day or two longer before it is safe children to wait at bus stops and buses to travel on county roads.

If it is likely that the majority of bus riders can safely walk to emergency bus stops, the district’s emergency bus routes are used.

Other reasons for possible closures include :

Is the power on in all buildings? Are temperatures dangerously low? Has the weather impacted the delivery of food for school lunches?

When weather conditions or emergencies occur, and school is canceled, the district’s automated telephone service will be initiated and all parents will receive a message regarding the situation. The district sends school closing information by phone, text, and email. Be sure that your child’s school office has the correct phone number so you can receive these automated messages.

This information is also posted to the district’s social media including Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/District32.