Waverly-Shell Rock Families:
Cold weather-related decisions can be very difficult to navigate, and we know families value clarity and predictability when making plans. We want our students to be in school and learning each day, but safety does come first. Below are the general guidelines followed by the district during cold weather, along with other considerations that are taken into account.
On school buses fueled with diesel, engines can experience problems (such as fuel gelling) in extreme cold weather, and engines struggle to maintain a reasonable temperature in the passenger compartment. Unlike most other school districts in the area, Waverly-Shell Rock’s fleet of regular route buses operate on PROPANE fuel. Propane buses do not have the same issues with fuel gelling in cold weather, and passenger compartments heat more quickly and completely than on diesel buses. This operational difference allows us to evaluate cold weather conditions somewhat differently than districts that rely on diesel fleets. This is just one consideration taken into account when making decisions regarding the possible delaying or cancellation of school on cold weather days.
In 2024, The National Weather Service (NWS) replaced Wind Chill Advisories/Warnings with Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings to clarify risk levels: an Advisory means be aware of danger, while a Warning means immediate action needed for life-threatening conditions.
The following ‘rules of thumb’ are intended to help families understand how cold weather factors into our decisions, recognizing that no two weather events are exactly alike.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR A COLD WEATHER ADVISORY
We know that on colder days, many parents prefer to drive their children to school or wait for the bus with their child at the end of the driveway in a warm vehicle. Under a two-hour delay, this wouldn't be possible for many parents. When school runs ON-TIME, more parents are able to assist their children in the morning to make sure they are appropriately dressed for the extreme cold. Waverly-Shell Rock’s “rule of thumb” for a Cold Weather 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 is to operate ON-TIME with no delay.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR AN EXTREME COLD 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆
Under an Extreme Cold 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 there is an even greater chance of bus and vehicle failures, and frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes. Waverly-Shell Rock’s “Rule of Thumb” for an Extreme Cold 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 is to consider a 2-HOUR DELAY if the warning is expected to expire by 10:30 a.m. or a CANCELLATION if the warning is NOT expected to expire by 10:30 a.m.
Please note that other factors, such as slick roads and reduced visibility, can also play a role in decision making. These factors may at times result in decisions that appear to differ from the ‘rules of thumb’ described above, as each situation is unique. Our goal is to have students in school every day as scheduled, but the safety of our students and staff will always be our top priority.
We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we work to make the best decisions for students and staff.
Sincerely,
David Hill
Superintendent