The biggest problem for school district officials during the recent ice storm/snow storm was getting the word out that school was canceled for two days.
Lake Orion’s School District has numerous ways to notify parents that schools will be closed — email, phone hotline, radio, TV. All of which depend on having electrical power.
For those parents who weren’t suffering from any power outages, the school cancellations were on the air the night before.
A committee of three, LO Buildings and Grounds Director, Lloyd English,; LO Computer Operations Director, Tim Smith; and LO Transportation Director, Jim Farrand, determine whether school should be canceled.
According to LO School Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman, the three men look at the road conditions, status of the buildings and can the distinct get the kids safely to school.
Younkman said some trees and shrubs were damaged on school property and a few pipes were frozen when power was lost.
‘Eighty people took advantage of us opening the high school so they could shower and get water,? he added. ‘They were all very appreciative.?