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A Snow Day? No way!
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Written by Emily Garrison, Editor-in-Chief
“It’s snowing. Do we have school today?” is a question often asked by students and parents in the Kingsport City school district. This question is also often followed by, “Seriously? My roads are still icy!” Though school board policy excuses any student whose parent fears the danger from bad winter weather from school that day, some are wondering why school remained in session in the first place. If all of the surrounding cities and counties are out on a day of bad weather, then why aren’t we?
Friday, January 13, 2012 was the first day of this school year that Kingsport had the threat of icy roads and snow. Practically every other school near our region was either delayed or canceled. Even college classes were canceled! Yet, Kingsport City Schools ran on a normal schedule. So who makes the call, and how do they decide? Director of Kingsport City School Transportation Services, Ken Barnes, stated, “As the Director, I am required to drive areas in Kingsport at 4:00A.M. that would be most vulnerable to snow and ice, and inspect the roads. This may include the Superintendent driving another side of Kingsport, simultaneously, to ensure that an informed decision may be made…” According to the Kingsport City Schools website, these two men consult with the Highway Department and City Road Crews before the superintendent makes a decision. Also, according to Barnes, they remain in contact with the Department of Public Works Snow Shed while making the decision.
But why is the decision to stay on schedule made even if in some places there is still snow and ice on the ground? Barnes included that “not all inclement weather affects all areas of Kingsport, and it may only affect areas such as Rock Springs or Lynn Garden.” So, instead of making all of Kingsport pay back in the spring for calling off school for only a small portion of the city, the people that the weather affects may be excused from school. The KCS website says, “If parents believe that road or weather conditions are dangerous, and school has not been dismissed or cancelled for the day, parents may keep their children home. Absences during these circumstances are excused and the students may make up the work missed.” This is actually a good policy, considering all of the make-up days that certain counties surrounding us have to attend while we are enjoying three-day weekends and end-of-the-year trips.
So—seniors expecting to be exempt from exams especially—if you don’t want to miss many days, then expect to stock up on de-icer and snow shovels, warm up your car early, and get to school!
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