The Decision to Close Schools

The superintendent makes the final decision whether to close school for the day due to severe weather.

The primary concern when considering closing school is student and employee safety. The superintendent bases the decision on road conditions, forecasts, and other safety concerns. This information is provided by the school system's Transportation Department, the Clayton County Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol, and other agencies.

The superintendent may decide to close schools for the day or to delay the starting time to allow conditions to improve.

If school is closed for the day, the Evening High School is also closed, and extra-curricular activities and after-school programs for that day are canceled.

Alternate Plans

Parents should plan ahead for alternative child care arrangements if school is closed. When schools are closed early, buses will run their regular routes at the earlier time. Parents should make plans to have a responsible adult available to pick up car-riders and walkers. Students will only be allowed to leave with adults whom their parents or guardians have previously designated.

Getting Out the Message

If inclement weather conditions exist before the school day begins, the superintendent usually decides by 6 a.m. to close or delay opening.

When the decision is made to close schools, school system officials contact local television and radio stations. The stations usually being broadcasting school closings beginning at 6:15 a.m.

If severe weather arises during the day, parents or guardians should monitor the local radio and television stations for possible early closing.

All schools are linked by FM radio to the Civil Defense network to monitor emergency broadcasts. Emergency plans are in place to protect students and staff in case of unsafe weather such as tornadoes or heavy thunderstorms. Safe areas have been identified at each school where students and staff will be sheltered in event of tornado or other severe weather warning. Students in modular units are moved to permanent buildings when winds exceed 40 mph.

Make-up Days

Georgia law allows school systems to cancel up to four days of school for severe weather without requiring make-up days. In the unlikely event that school is canceled more than four days, the Board of Education will set make-up days as needed.

For more information:

When the weather is threatening, be sure to listen to the local television and radio stations for announcements.

Remember:

If the weather looks threatening or you hear reports of approaching bad weather, tune into one of the stations listed on this page for information.

If the media announces that Clayton County Public Schools are closed, do not send your child to school.

If no announcement is made concerning school closing prior to 6:45 a.m., classes will most likely begin as scheduled.

If schools are forced to close early due to mid-day storms, announcements will be made through the listed media and students will be released early.

If you child rides a bus, he or she will be transported to the usual bus stop site.

If no one will be home to receive and supervise your child when there is an emergency dismissal, please arrange shelter at a neighbor's home within walking distance of the bus stop or for another family member to meet your child at his or her bus stop.