Williamson County Schools is sorry they did not delay school Wednesday due to severe weather.
Superintedent Dr. Mike Looney sent a letter to parents this morning after severe weather ripped through the county causing significant damage and debris:
I apologize for my decision not to delay school this morning. Key personnel had monitored the storm’s track for the past several days. We expected it to arrive later this morning during the school day.
Yesterday, we cancelled today’s field trips in anticipation of the storm. We are reviewing our communication protocols with emergency management officials to determine how we can make timely decisions in advance of operating our first bus routes. In order to cancel or delay school, and inform all families, we must make a decision no later than 5:30 A.M.
We did not confirm the accelerated track of the storm until after 6:00 A.M. I am committed to continuing to improve our operations for the benefit of WCS families.
Mike Looney
WCS policy in calling a delay is decided based on individual circumstances.
“In Middle Tennessee, any type of inclement weather, including snow, ice and flooding, can cause schools to close, along with extended power outages,” the policy reads.
“Since Williamson is a large county with many rural roads, hazardous conditions in one part of the county may close the entire district. When schools are closed due to weather, events are automatically canceled at all schools.”
WCS monitors situations closely and makes the call when it feels safety is at risk in one or any parts of the district.
“We have spotters located across the district who keep an eye on road conditions throughout the day and night, and we also work with the County’s Emergency Management office,” according to Deputy Superintendent Jason Golden. “The Superintendent makes the final decision to close school based on all the information we can gather.”
