During adverse weather conditions, it may become necessary to exercise one or a combination of the following emergency operating procedures:
RECOMMENDATION AND DECISIONS
The Superintendent makes the final decision on whether the school day is changed (late start/early dismissal) or canceled due to inclement weather. This decision may be made with input from district employees and/or the appropriate agency.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements about school delays or cancellations are shared in the following ways:
- Automated phone calls and/or text messages will be made to all parents/guardians by approximately 6:00 a.m (automated phone broadcast notification preferences are set in Skylert)
- Weather announcements will be posted to our social media pages:
- Radio stations will be contacted: KQQQ (1150 AM), KHTR (104.3 FM), KRPL (1400 AM), KZFN (106.1 FM), KWSU (1250 AM), KRFA (91.7 FM), KZZL (99.5 FM)
- TV Channels will be contacted: 2 (KREM), 4 (KXLY), 6 (KHQ), and 3 (KLEW)
EMERGENCY RURAL BUS ROUTES
These schedules will be distributed to all rural bus riders by their bus drivers. You may also find them in the document container at the bottom of this page. In the event an emergency rural bus route will be used, you will be notified via our rapid notification system.
DELAY SCHOOL STARTING TIMES
It may be necessary to delay school starting times by one or two hours in order to take advantage of daylight hours and/or improving weather and/or road conditions. This will also allow in-town students more time to get to school and avoid heavy traffic periods. The delay will be announced via the above radio and television stations as well as by the automated phone call system. Schools will normally be dismissed at the regular time.
One Hour Delay-School Start Times
Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled. Rural bus route students will use emergency routes.
- Franklin- 9:20AM
- Sunnyside- 9:30 AM
- Jefferson- 9:20 AM
- Kamiak- 9:30 AM
- Lincoln- 9:25 AM, start in 2nd period class
- Pullman High- 9:20 AM, schedule varies by day-see schedule below.
- AM Preschool Programs Cancelled
Two Hours Delay-School Start Times
Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled. Rural bus route students will use emergency routes.
- Franklin- 10:20AM
- Sunnyside- 10:30 AM
- Jefferson- 10:20 AM
- Kamiak- 10:30 AM
- Lincoln- 10:25 AM, start in 3rd period class
- Pullman High- 10:20 AM, schedule varies by day-see schedule below.
- AM Preschool Programs Cancelled
EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL
On some occasions weather conditions may deteriorate during the school day and necessitate early dismissal of schools. Rural students will be returned to their homes only if there is adult supervision and/or a vehicle to receive them at the point they leave the bus.
Rural students who cannot be transported to their home will be returned to their applicable school where arrangements will be made for staying at their emergency in-town address.
In-town elementary students without parents/guardians at home will not be released until arrangements have been made for a baby-sitter and/or alternate supervision.
SCHOOL CLOSURE
School Closure will be announced via radio and television stations and using our automated telephone broadcasting system. When school is closed, all activities and athletic events will be canceled. If road and weather conditions allow, an administrative decision can be made to allow a group to travel to an event. Such a decision will be made by school personnel, the transportation director and district office staff.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's school or the transportation department (509-334-3911).
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR CHANGES TO THE SCHOOL DAY?
Every family should have a home emergency plan in place that can be put into action on short notice. Ensure that your children have an alternate place to stay if you must be at work on a day when school has been delayed, cancelled or dismissed early. Ensure that a neighbor, family member or care center is able to care for or receive students during a change to the school day. Instruct students to report directly home or to their established care center immediately after school.