6. Temperature and wind-chill factors. Please keep in mind that a number of students either walk to school or wait on sidewalks for the school bus.
7. Weather predictions. I prefer not to make my decision based on weather predictions since they are not always accurate. However, this may be unavoidable. Please understand when weather warnings are given, I am awake at 4:00 a.m. to begin the process, as listed above, to gather all the relevant information in order to make a careful and well-informed decision. The students' safety is my number one priority and my decision to close or delay school depends upon it.
8. I also consult other districts and share information with local superintendents and take their recommendations into consideration when making my decision.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
As Superintendent of Schools, I am responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the Department of Public Works and the Director of Facilities.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
My goal is to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. or earlier so that the radio and TV stations can be notified. I realize that if I wait longer to announce a closing, some parents will have already left for work, leaving their children unsupervised.
HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
Tune to radio stations WBUR (FM 90.9), WBZ (AM 103.0), WRKO (AM 68.0), by television stations Channel 4, 5, 7, Fox 25, CW56 as well as a recorded message on the "School Closing Line" (508) 647-6515 or the Natick Public Schools web page for up-to-date information on school closings. The following websites may also list school closings:
www.myfoxboston.com
www.thebostonchannel.com
www.schoolclosings.com
www.wbzclosing.com
In closing, as you have seen from above there are a number of items that factor into my final decision, none more than the safety of our students. The verdict to close or not to close is more of an art than a science and I know I am only as good as my last decision. However, my decision is made based upon information that is available to me at the time that this decision must be made.
Sincerely,
Peter Sanchioni, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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