BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The amount of snow on the ground isn’t the only deciding factor when it comes to closing Clarkston schools during the winter season.
Reports and information start moving at 4 a.m. for school administrators, according to Dr. Al Roberts, superintendent for Clarkston Community Schools. Weather reports and storm tracking lay the foundation for the decision that will eventually be made.
‘Sometimes it’s not just the snow itself,? Roberts said.
Information relies heavily on the knowledge of Kevin Bickerstaff, Transportation Director for the district. Having been with the district since 1975, Bickerstaff knows how particular weather patterns affect the area. His input helps administrators make the call. By 4 a.m., he’s out driving the roads to get a feel for weather conditions at the time.
‘The day begins early at about 3 a.m.,? Bickerstaff said. ‘If you see a school bus out driving around then, it’s probably me.?
Communicating with other districts is also key to making a decision on school closings. Administrators share information about their district’s roads to see if overlapping conditions might affect the trip to school for a student.
‘What we take to heart first is the safety of our kids,? Roberts said.
Making the journey to school for students during bad weather is one of the top concerns for administrators. Keeping children waiting at bus stops for delayed buses might increase the chance of frostbite, for example. If delays are such that children must wait for long periods of time, administrators don’t want to take the chance.
Administrators will often check with the road commission to see if sending the buses out will interfere with efforts to clean the roads for everyone else. During last year’s ice storm, school officials were concerned about down power lines getting in the way of bus routes.
Roberts himself often gets on the road to take a look at conditions that students and parents might face trying to make the commute to school.
Building conditions also play an important factor in the final decision to close schools. By 5 a.m. Roberts usually receives a report on the district’s buildings to make sure that weather conditions haven’t affected them as well. At this time, Roberts will use the information received by this point to make the call.
Roberts tries to make a decision by 5:45 a.m. so that parents can plan for the day accordingly. He tries to make sure the information is out by that point so that parents don’t miss the announcement.
Administrators notify the following media outlets once school has been cancelled:
‘Television: Channel 2, Channel 4, Channel 7, and Channel 50.
‘Radio: WWJ (950 AM), WKQI (95.5 FM), and WJR (760 AM).
Some buildings throughout the district also provide emergency fan outs to relay information. Parents should check with their individual school to see if that is an option.
With a district spanning 58 square miles, quick and correct information is crucial to students and their families. However, not everyone is always satisfied with the final decision.
‘It’s never a right decision,? Bickerstaff said. ‘People are always thinking that the decision is either right or not. You’ve got to go with your own decision.?
The process is complex, but Roberts is confident in the jobs his colleagues do.
‘Bickerstaff is superb,? Roberts said. ‘He knows the district inside and out. I have full confidence in him.?