Please see the ACPS website for an updated version of the information in this post.
Most ACPS parents and students are aware that schools close when there is a heavy snowstorm, but there are other reasons why ACPS may have to close schools or delay the start time.
Whenever there is a snowstorm, David Rose, the Director of Transportation is the first person out testing the roads. It is often still dark and bitterly cold. He, too, may have to clear his car and may not be able to get out of his own driveway.
The Director of Transportation coordinates with Alexandria City staff and other school transportation staff around Northern Virginia to discuss their assessments. However, conditions in Arlington or Fairfax may vary from Alexandria City and so each call is still made independently according to the local situation.
The Director of Transportation calls Chief Operating Officer Clarence Stukes after conducting an assessment and together they discuss what call to make with the Superintendent.
The Chief Operating Officer is also responsible for the maintenance of school buildings. He gathers reports from his maintenance staff and emergency personnel to ensure that the heating is working as it should be when the temperatures drop below freezing.
Superintendent Alvin L. Crawley is conferenced in on the call for a final discussion. Once the final decision is made, the communication process begins. The goal is to have all communication complete by 5:30 a.m.
There are many areas that are considered:
- Bus safety is a priority. Staff receives a condition report on primary and secondary roads. If there is even the slightest chance of a bus skidding off a road, transportation staff may advise that there should be a delayed opening.
- Some of the heating systems in schools are nearing the end of their lifecycle and struggle in severe temperatures. Heating issues in multiple areas of a building may affect whether a school is open or not.
- Severe temperatures can also close schools as ACPS is aware that some students have to wait outside in the cold for their school bus to arrive. There may be a delayed start to allow for temperatures to rise, wind to die down or to make sure all schools are properly heated.
- If there is fresh snow in the early morning, a delayed start may also be needed while the buses are cleared off and made safe to begin their routes.
- Extreme cold temperatures can also create mechanical problems for diesel-fueled buses.
When it is cold, we have all the buses started for at least one hour before they leave the lot. Once our buses leave the lot, 99 percent of them run on time. However, while cold temperatures are being forecast, we encourage you to dress your children warmly in case of delays,” Rose said.