By Daniel L. Bamberg
On Monday evening, November 29 a weather event was expected to occur the following morning. Some school systems in central Alabama counties made a decision to close or postpone the opening of school for Tuesday. Bibb County Schools was not among those who made such a decision.
Bibb County Schools made no such decision at 7:45 a.m. It was business as usual. Schools systems around Bibb County’s were closing or delaying, but Bibb County Schools were opened.
At approximately 8:15 a.m. a tornado-warning siren was sounded by way of the Bibb County EMA Office. Bibb County schools and the Bibb County Board of Education office was contacted. Upon this contact there was no decision to close schools.
The weather calmed in Bibb County around 8:30 a.m. and parents went back to their daily routines. At approximately 8:45 a.m. after the skies cleared Bibb County School system began calling parents and informing them that their child would be released from school due to the threat of severe weather.
Citizens were confused and frustrated, including Kandy Jackson of Centreville. She was frustrated with the way the situation appeared to have been handled. On the previous night she had made arrangements with her employer to be late that morning, because the potential severe weather event was spoken of on the news. Kandy was one of many parents who were getting on with their day when the school seemed to suddenly close.
“I was very upset. Not everybody works in town this didn’t make any sense to me at all,” explained Jackson.
Associate Superintendent of Bibb County Schools, Alesa Judd explained that this decision from the BOE was not an one made lightly.
“The decision to remain in session or dismiss schools is a great responsibility,” said Judd. “Consideration must be given to each area of the county in making the determination that effects so many families. The safety of students in passage to and from school remains the basis for this determination.”
Judd also acknowledged the inconvenience that could be caused by these decisions but explained the reasons for it.
“The school district transportation director, as a part of his regular duties, surveys the conditions of roads prior to bus departure times on days when road conditions are in question,” said Judd.
“He began at 4:00 a.m. on November 30th, and by 5:30 a.m., made the determination that the condition of roads would not be a factor in safely transporting students to school,” Judd expressed.
Judd also stated that after daylight, the roads continued to be surveyed. With this information, Judd explains, a determination was made that, if the rain continued (as was forecast) some of the roads in question may become impassable for buses later in the day due to slick conditions or flooding.
Judd also explained that the Superindent ultimately made the discion based upon information in regards to the entire couny. Receiving this information, the Superintendent made the decision to dismiss schools to ensure the safety of students.”
“The Bibb County School System regrets the hardship that is caused to families when schools are closed unexpectedly or on short notice,” concluded Judd.
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