
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 will be made to all parents/guardians by approximately 6:30 a.m.
- 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.
DELAY SCHOOL STARTING TIME
It may be necessary to delay school starting times by 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 (In-Person Learning) - Not applicable to 2020-2021 school year
Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled.
- Franklin- 9:30AM
- Sunnyside- 9:30 AM
- Jefferson- 9:20 AM
- Kamiak- 9:20 AM
- Lincoln- 9:25 AM
- Pullman High- 9:20 AM
- AM Preschool Programs Cancelled
**Breakfast & Lunch will be available--pick up times delayed by one hour
Two Hours Delay-School Start Times (In-Person Learning)
Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled
Click here to view protocols for 2020-2021.
PLEASE NOTE: If your class normally begins after the times listed, your class will begin at it's normal scheduled time.
Elementary students participating in distance learning will have a delayed start time for synchronous instruction. Synchronous Instruction for elementary school students is as follows:
- Kindergarten students will start at 10:30am
- 1st grade students will start at 10:30am
- 2nd grade students will start at 11:00am
- 3rd grade students will start at 10:30am
- 4th grade students will start at 10:30am
- 5th grade students will start at 11:00am
Secondary students participating in distance learning will not be affected by the 2 hour delay. Students in grades 6-12 will participate in distance learning at their usual start time. Students should check in with teachers about office hours.
In addition, district AM preschool programs will be cancelled and rural bus routes will run on emergency routes.
**Breakfast & Lunch will be available--pick up times delayed by two hours
EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL (IN-PERSON LEARNING)
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 - For 2020-2021 all K-12 students will participate in distance learning in the event that inclement weather prevents the operation of district transportation
Please review the new 2020-21 Inclement Weather Protocols here
School Closure will be announced via radio and television stations. 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.