Centralia bus driver Anne Snyder demonstrates how to install “ice-breaker” chains during the district’s off-site inclement weather training session at Mt. Rainer Ski Resort in Washington.
“Making sure your Internet information is current, useful and accurate is one of the most important aspects of winter prep.”
– Lionel Pinn, Centralia/Chehalis Pupil Transportation Cooperative
“Because we operate in severe temperature or weather condi- tions, communications is a key factor when transporting students.”
SHARING THE RIGHT INFORMATION AT THE RIGHT TIME When individual contract locations know that a severe weath-
er or temperature condition is approaching, Hyatt said they scout road and visibility conditions by at 3 or 4 a.m. so they can make recommendations to the school district about schedule changes or closures. “Some school districts will establish a minimum temperature
that they will not operate below, typically minus 50 degrees. Other districts do not have a minimum temperature but use pa- rameters such as whether they can maintain heat in the school buildings or whether it is safe to operate the buses,” he explained. Decisions related to bus service are primarily communicated via
radio and television. Tis is essential in more remote areas, Hyatt said, because not everyone has telephone or Internet access. “Making sure your Internet information is current, useful and
accurate is one of the most important aspects of winter prep. Another important aspect of a well-prepared transportation de- partment is a great — not good — working relationship with the media,” said Pinn, who is authorized by both school districts to provide up-to-date school bus information.
Yet another key aspect of readiness, he continued, is having
a well-honed working relationship with other area supervisors. “When inclement weather is imminent, there are scheduled
teleconference calls with your chain of command,” Pinn said. “During these calls, all relevant and updated information is re- viewed, including any evening field trips or sports trips that may be placed in jeopardy due to worsening conditions.” Carpenter pointed out that school-closure decisions will never
please everyone every time. “You’re always going to make somebody mad … You just have
to make the best decision you can. I work with the superinten- dent and school liaison and make the decision, then the school will take over the announcement process. We just take care of contacting our staff,” he said. Reinders said his Winnebago School District uses an automated
calling system to alert families of weather-related school closures. “We do have a great working relationship with the local town-
ships, and one of the first calls I make in a weather situation is to the township commissioner who is out plowing roads before I get out,” he explained. “We also have a fall and spring meet- ing with the area townships, school transportation directors and superintendents. What’s the buzzword? Networking. We get together and talk about things we’ve seen, problems we’ve en- countered.” ■
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