EE - Emergency Closing/Evacuation of Schools

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Current School Bus Route Information and School Closures

SECTION E: OPERATIONS (PROPERTY AND TRANSPORTATION)

File EE

EMERGENCY CLOSING/EVACUATION OF SCHOOLS

Closing

The Board authorizes the Superintendent, or his/her designate, to close the school(s) in the event of circumstances that present a threat to the safety of students, school staff members, or school property. A wind chill factor approaching -45°C is considered to be a hazardous condition for walking and for the operation of the transportation system.

"The school board shall communicate promptly to the minister any incidental closing of a school from any cause." (M.R. 101/95-10)

The Minister may close schools at his/her discretion [Education Administration Act, 3(l)i].

Schools may also be closed and the closure deemed authorized for reasons of Teacher illness, order of a health officer, purposes of polling, or other regulation. (PSA 198)

Evacuation

A plan for the emergency evacuation of each school is the responsibility of the Principal. This plan shall assure the orderly movement and placement of students in the safest available location and shall be inclusive of and consistent with the regulations approved for the Division. See also: EIG

Each Principal is responsible for making arrangements to accommodate all students in a nearby indoor location should an emergency arise during inclement weather.

In case of an emergency it shall be the policy to retain students and staff at either the school site or alternate location until the regular dismissal time. Parents may pick up their children prior to the regular dismissal time providing the Principal is made aware of which students are leaving.