320: Inclement Weather
1. POLICY
The Board believes that the responsibility of the safety of school bus passengers during periods of inclement weather or hazardous road conditions is shared by the Board, its staff, school bus operators and by parent/guardians.
The final decision to send a child to the bus stop or to school rests with the parents/guardians, even though buses and schools may be operational.
School bus service may be suspended at a temperature of minus forty (40) degrees Celsius, as determined by the Weather Network at Bon Accord, AB., or as articulated in 2.4.1. Other contributing factors include:
- Visibility under 1 km or impassable roads;
- Reports from bus drivers, counties or municipalities concerning the conditions of rural roads;
- Notification of severe weather provided by Alberta Emergency Alert and or;
- Information received from neighboring school jurisdictions.
2. GUIDELINES
2.1 This Policy will be shared in school newsletters no later than November first of each school year.
2.2 Schools Remain Open
2.2.1 Regardless of the routes affected by suspension of school bus service, all schools will remain open and will receive students who are transported to school by their parents/guardians.
2.3 Communication of Altered or Cancelled Bus Service
A decision by the Superintendent to suspend school bus service shall be communicated to all families. Communication channels will include local media, the Division website, and social media.
2.4 Bus Service Altered or Cancelled
2.4.1 The Superintendent or designate determines whether or not school bus service should be cancelled or altered.
2.4.1.1 The Superintendent shall direct a system wide suspension of school bus service when climatic and/or road conditions constitute a significant hazard to the safety and well-being of school bus passengers.
2.4.1.2 Suspension of school bus services may be limited to a specific region or route of Sturgeon Public Schools.
2.5 Proper Clothing
2.5.1 Parents/guardians shall ensure that their children who are school bus passengers are wearing weather appropriate clothing.
References:
Administrative Procedures:
AP255 Inclement Weather Decisions for Schools
AP575 Suspension of School Bus Privileges
Exhibit 1: Flow Chart of Student Misconduct
Exhibit 2: Transportation Rules and Regulations
History
2019 May 22 Initial Approval
2020 Sep 23 Amended
2021 Oct 27 Reviewed
2022 Jun 22 Amended
Board Policies III. General School Administration