Photo of blue mittens holding a snowflake

Inclement Weather School Delay/Closure Information

When weather conditions make travel unsafe, schools may either close for the day, open two hours late with regular bus routes, or open with snow bus routes. Changes to the school schedule are usually announced by 6 a.m.

Delay Schedule for 2020-2021 School Year;

  • All K-3, K-6, or K-12 in-person instructional school day programs will begin 2 hours later than normal; Students will be released at their regularly scheduled end time.

  • Limited In Person Instruction (LIPI) will be cancelled for the day.

To make it clear- If we cancel school for the day due to inclement weather we are cancelling all educational programs and services for the day; Even if we are in comprehensive distance learning (CDL). This is due to unsafe driving conditions for staff coming into their work sites.

The following methods are used to inform parents, students and staff:

Phone:

Monitor your phone for a call and text from “Thrillshare,” the District’s automated calling system. Calls and text messages will be placed to the primary phone number listed in each student’s record.

Website

Go to www.lagrandesd.org, live updates will be posted here.

Facebook

Live updates will be posted on La Grande School District's Facebook Page

LGSD App:

School closures or delays will be pushed out through our App, which can be downloaded below:

Radio

Tune to La Grande radio stations for live updates:

  • KUBQ -- 98.7 FM

  • KWRL -- 102.3 FM

  • KVBL -- 103.1 FM

  • KCMB -- 104.7 FM

  • KRJT -- 105.9 FM

  • KLBM -- 1450 AM* can operate during power outages

How are decisions made?

The decision to open, delay or close schools is based on careful analysis of all of the facts available at the time of the decision. 

  • District administrators closely monitor the weather. Most often, decisions are made in the early morning rather than the night before so that the most current weather conditions and forecasts can factor into the decisions. The District receives several reports, including a report from Mid-Columbia Bus Company, County Roads Department and City of La Grande Public Works to determine the condition of roads throughout the town, Island City, Summerville, as well as county roads to Cove, Union and Imbler.
     

  • We closely monitor National Weather Service reports as well as most up to date radar information available.
     

  • Our District also consults with Eastern Oregon University as well as Intermountain ESD who is in contact with other local school districts for updates on their road conditions, determinations for closure or delays, etc.
     

  • We recognize the impact on family schedules, and will communicate any decision as quickly as possible. In the early morning hours (typically beginning around 4:30 a.m.), District and Mid-Columbia Bus Company staff drive main roads to assess driving and walking conditions.
     

  • All of the above information is compiled and reported to the Superintendent, who will make the decision based on the best available information at that time.
     

  • A decision to delay school two hours may be made in order to allow additional time to monitor weather or allow for weather conditions to improve, permit road crews to plow and treat roads, allow our staff to clear parking lots, clear off sidewalks, sand or treat entry ways, etc.  A final decision to close school will be made by 8:00 a.m. if the start of school was initially delayed two hours.
     

  • We understand these decisions disrupt family life and appreciate your patience during these severe weather situations. While we know that our students and families are best served when we are open, our top concern is the safety of our students and staff.

What if the storm begins when children are already at school?

We try, if at all possible, not to dismiss school early due to weather, except in rare extreme weather conditions. Young children will not be dropped off at bus stops without an adult and releasing early is problematic when families are not expecting it. Families may choose to pick up their children early. In most cases staying at school until the regular release time is the safest option.

Inclement Weather-School-Delay Closure: Snow Routes

Staff School Closure / Delay Procedures