Inclement Weather Need to Knows for Families, Staff

Anytime the possibility of inclement weather is in the forecast, CFBISD district leadership actively monitors weather conditions, temperatures, and road conditions as the situation develops.

As inclement weather approaches, the district will follow its inclement weather protocols to determine if an adjustment to the instructional day is necessary to ensure student, staff and community safety.

In the event of a decision to close or delay school, CFBISD will begin notifying parents, students and staff as quickly and as early as possible. Several communication methods will be used in our efforts to reach families and staff. Initial messages will be sent between 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.m. using the following forms of electronic media:

• ParentSquare Notification System: rapid phone call and text messaging system (please make sure your contact information is up to date)
• District website
• District social media (Facebook & Twitter)

The following new media outlets will be notified following the electronic media methods listed above:

• Local Radio and TV Stations KXAS (5), WFAA (8) KDFW (4), CBS (11) Univision (23)

How is the decision made?
Between 3 a.m. - 3:30 a.m., district leadership monitors temperature and precipitation levels to project the threat to roads, driveways and sidewalks. 

The decision to postpone or cancel classes due to inclement weather is based on analysis of all available information at the time the critical decision to delay or close schools must be made such as:

• Consultation with local emergency management, law enforcement, and weather experts. In addition to monitoring local weather forecasts, CFBISD participates in ongoing emergency management conference calls with city and county officials. 
• Information on road and sidewalk conditions from transportation operations staff. CFBISD transportation staff serves as the internal experts on area roads. Eyewitness reports from staff provide an invaluable addition to regional emergency management reports.
• Weather related disruption to facilities. CFBISD will evaluate any disruption to facilities that might prove hazardous, such as electrical, heat and water services.
• Current and projected weather conditions. Because students and staff walk, bike and ride in cars to school beginning as early as 5 a.m., CFBISD evaluates current and predicted weather conditions after consulting with regional experts. Reports of accumulated, projected and clearing of road hazards are taken into consideration in the early morning hours.
• Consideration of neighboring school districts’ and universities’ decisions. Collaboration with neighboring districts will occur to gain a better understanding of how the area is affected by inclement weather conditions. While each district is unique, this partnership allows all districts to have a more complete understanding of weather conditions.

Who makes the decision?
A team of district leadership gathers information and makes recommendations from the information and sources above. Ultimately, the Superintendent, Interim Superintendent or Associate Superintendent will make a decision on whether or not to modify the regular school schedule.

Thank you for becoming familiar with these protocols and helping us keep #cfbsafe!