Snow and weather continues to delay the start of classes

By DAVID TELLER

Staff Reporter

While area schools were scheduled to return from Christmas break on Monday, Jan. 5, the weather inspired yet another “snowday,” which have become common in the last two winters.

Cheney School District Superintendent Larry Keller explained how he determines a snowday. It begins long before anyone is thinking of school.

He starts dialog at 2 a.m. with Cheney School District transportation director Paul Harris, who then goes out and inspects the school district's grounds and building conditions. Harris calls Keller back by 5 a.m. with a recommendation of a two-hour delay, a cancellation, or if it is safe to transport students.

School district transportation can be precarious. Keller estimates the transportation department busses about 2,000 kids a day to school in what is arguably the third or fourth geographically largest district in the state. He said he doesn't want to put kids in a bus and take chances on the circumstances. He added that everyday is unique, so he investigates thoroughly, but ultimately his decision is on a gut feeling.

“I never make decisions based on the weather forecast,” Keller said.

Communication with broadcast media is done through software called “school messenger.” Keller said he can do it from a computer or a voice activated answering system. He said the release notice system is “very, very efficient.”

This year's weather pattern has kept Keller well versed on the cancellation procedure.

“This has been a tussell for us,” he said.

The district has been wrestling with the snow issue ever since Dec. 18, giving students Christmas break two days early. Keller said maintenance crews are continually looking for a place to haul excess snow.

No word has come from the state as to whether the snow days will have to be made up, though Keller suspects at least some of them will. Last year the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction forgave five snow days, after Cheney School District missed eight days due to the weather. Classes continued until June 18, even though the original last day of classes was supposed to be June 15.

Keller said there are a few days during the year that would otherwise be scheduled off that there will be class if any days are to be made up. He said Feb 15. would be the first, June 15 the next. If necessary, he said the days would continue after then until they are made up just like last year.

In the Cheney School District newsletter, Keller addressed the public about the closures and weather:

“I want to assure all of our students and parents that we are working hard to reopen our schools as soon as it is safe to do so. We are working with our public community partners, Cheney, Airway Heights and the Spokane County, to make sure we have sidewalk access for our students who walk in our high traffic areas and safe routes for our busses. Additionally we are monitoring the snow loads on our roofs with particular emphasis on our flat roofs. Thanks for your patience and understanding.”

David Teller can be reached at [email protected]