Red Hook Central School District

Think it's easy to decide what Mother Nature has in store on any given winter day? Think again!

Careful consideration is given to a host of factors when deciding whether to open, close or delay the opening of a school day. In the event of inclement weather, the transportation director:

• Drives a specific subset of the roads in Dutchess and Columbia counties that are on the district's transportation routes
• Gathers information from town highway supervisors and their crews on road status and their timelines for plowing and sanding
• Consults with colleagues in neighboring school districts about their status and circumstances.  
• Checks for the forecast of a storm’s path, duration and intensity from the National Weather Service and AccuWeather
• Speaks with the Superintendent of Schools to make a decision

Once made, the decision is broadcast to the community using the district's website, social media and ParentSquare notification channels. ParentSquare messages generate text and email messages to all staff and parents/guardians/families using the contact information registered in the system.

On a normal day, the first bus leaves the transportation office to begin its route at approximately 6:30 a.m. If a delayed opening is in effect, the transportation director rechecks roads at 6:30 a.m., repeats his contacts with town highway superintendents, colleagues and the weather services, and confers a second time with the Superintendent of Schools. 

A final determination is made by approximately 8 a.m. to proceed with the delay or change to a closing for the day.

In the event of an early dismissal due to weather conditions, families will be notified via ParentSquare and posted on the district’s website and social media channels.