Hazardous Weather Procedure

When potentially hazardous weather hits, how does our school district go about determining whether or not to cancel/delay school? We start from the position that we want to open all schools and open them on time. Our operating guidelines dictate that we will track the weather overnight and before 4:00 a.m. supervisors from our Transportation Department, ECISD police, and other staff will get out and drive the roads across the city and county. We monitor local weather reports and the National Weather Service and consult with Midland ISD as well. The conditions of the roads in all parts of town is the single biggest factor in the decision to cancel school or not.

If our Transportation Department supervisors feel the roads are too hazardous for our buses to run their routes, the decision is made to cancel or delay the start of school. The Communications Department will receive that information by 5:00 a.m. and immediately post the closure/delay announcement to the District website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; send a text message to all parents; and send an e-mail to local media.

If our drivers deem the road conditions safe for our buses we will make the decision to start school on time. In this case, no announcement will be made. 

There have been occasions when the roads were in good condition at 5:00 a.m. and the forecast appeared favorable, but the weather worsened as the morning went on and roads became more dangerous by 7:30 or 8:00; we do everything we can to get as much information as possible and make the best decision for our staff, students, and families. In all cases, we remind you to use caution and keep safety first. We also track weather forecasts throughout the day in case the afternoon dismissal needs to be adjusted.

If you have questions please contact us in the Communications Department at 456-9019.