As the winter weather approaches, the question comes up periodically about how and when the decision to close schools due to extreme weather conditions is made.
The decision to close schools follows GVSD school board policy EBCE - Emergency Closing of Schools due to Weather and Road Conditions. As this policy states, "During severe weather conditions, the Supervisory of Operations and Superintendent shall ascertain weather and road conditions in various parts of the division to make a reasoned decision relative to cancellation of bus transportation service and closure of schools." School closure announcements will be broadcast on all local radio stations, Pembina Valley Online (here), and the GVSD website (here) by approximately 6:45 a.m.
The policy also states that, "Schools will be closed for cold weather when it is too cold to operate school buses and it is too cold for students to be exposed to the elements for even a short period of time. The division may close for cold weather reasons when the wind chill factor in most locations in the division is forecasted to be minus 45 degrees Celsius or colder as recorded by Environment Canada - Morden location. The wind chill factor infomation shall be monitored between 6:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. to make the decision on whether or not to close schools. .... Parents have the right to keep children at home if the weather and/or road conditions are severe, regardless of the decision of Garden Valley School Division."
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