News from the Superintendent's Office

Stormy weather: Superintendent outlines process, factors in decision to keep school open

Jan. 12, 2012

Dear Cape Elizabeth Parents,

So as I'm sure you've all observed, I got this one wrong. I can't offer much in the way of explanation beyond that, but I thought that I could at least outline the decision process for you.

I read weather forecasts twice a day throughout the winter. If the forecast is calling for storms, I check it much more frequently and look at multiple weather sites and forecasts. If a storm looks like a likely possibility, than I check in with Bob Malley, CE's director of public works, the day before and we talk through the information we've been reading. When Bob and I spoke yesterday, we agreed to check in by 5 A.M. this morning. At 4 A.M., I was up checking for updated forecast information. I spoke with Bob just before 5. Bob had spoken with meteorologists at the National Weather Center in Gray, ME about local conditions (as he typically does), and outlined that the information he was receiving was calling for 1-3" of snow slated to begin around 7 and changing over to rain by 1 P.M. this afternoon. This was consistent with reports I was reading/watching.

I then spoke with the superintendents in South Portland and Scarborough, and all of us had read/received the same information about the anticipated coastal conditions. Each of us decided to proceed with having school in our districts today, but the decision to have school here was mine. I admit to relying heavily on the advice and experience of others who have greater familiarity with both local weather and road conditions and to experts in the field of meteorology. I also will say that I am likely to be a bit more skeptical about their advice and experience in the future as I do not take the responsibility for making decisions about safety lightly.

All of our buses, students, and staff arrived safely this morning, and public works feels that the roads will be in reasonable shape for dismissal. While we cancelled afternoon kindergarten, after school and evening activities, an early release would not have been a possibility given the road conditions throughout the day.

Our high school students have been advised to exercise great caution if driving home from school, and we have also made it clear to students that they are welcome to ride our buses home and leave their cars on site. If there is a need for any additional bus transportation to accommodate student drivers, we will provide it.

Meredith Nadeau
Superintendent