In the interest of maintaining a sound instructional program and with concern for the health and welfare of the children and adults in its care, the Clinton City Board of Education invests the superintendent with authority to dismiss school on those days when weather conditions become disruptive to the normal operations of the schools.

Employees should use this guide and good judgment to determine their individual course of action.  Each staff member must make his or her own responsible decision when weather conditions are hazardous.  If no announcement is made, school will be open as usual.

Here are some important things to remember:

Closing or Delayed Opening

At the earliest hour that freezing rain, snow or other hazardous weather raises the possibility of early dismissal or cancellation of school, the superintendent or designee will place calls to WRAL-TV 5, WECT-TV 6, WTVD-11, WRRZ 880 AM, WCLN 1170 AM, and Central Office Voice System - 592-3132, Ext. 5512, for the announcement, and when possible, make an announcement on the day before severe weather is expected.  A ConnectEd message to all parents and staff will also be sent from the superintendent's office.  Parents are advised to make sure that schools have current phone numbers, in order to receive this call.  If possible, the announcement will also be posted on our website, www.clinton.k12.nc.us.

All Clinton City Schools will be affected by the decision unless otherwise announced.

Employees and parents are urged to listen to the appropriate media and not call the principals or superintendent.  When school is cancelled because of hazardous weather conditions, all school activities will be cancelled.

If the school opening is delayed, students will begin one or two hours later as announced.  Breakfast will not be served.  Lunch will be served.

If no announcement is made, schools will operate on a normal schedule.

Early Dismissal

Severe weather conditions, such as snow, ice, tornadoes, etc., may occasionally cause the early dismissal of school.

Area radio and television stations will be notified and a ConnectEd message will be sent to all parents and staff from the superintendent's office.  Please do not call the principals, superintendent, or stations.  Messages usually are repeated several times.

Procedures for Employees

When school is closed due to inclement weather, 10- and 11-month employees do not have the option to report to work.  Make up and compensation for days missed will be made through rescheduling in the system calendar.

When school is closed due to inclement weather, all system-level 12-month employees may choose from the following options: 1) report to work from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Mon-Thu) or 4:00 PM (Fri) with a one hour lunch break, 2) take annual leave, 3) be absent from work and make up the time missed at a time approved by the immediate supervisor, or 4) take leave without pay.

When school is closed for students and an optional annual leave day is declared, the work day hours for school-based employees are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a 30 minute lunch break.  If an employee cannot report to work, he/she has three options: 1) take annual leave or 2) be absent from work and make up missed time as approved by the immediate supervisor, or 3) take leave without pay.

When school is in session and employees are unable to report for work, all regular leave policies apply.

Child Nutrition employees will be subject to the schedule and make up provisions provided by the Child Nutrition Administrator.

All schools shall have short day schedules to deal with early dismissals and delayed openings.  The abbreviated schedule shall provide coverage for all instructional classes.

Delays

An announced school delay applies to all students and employees except Senior Central Services Administrators, principals and designated essential staff.  Employees who work on modified schedules should observe the regular work hours unless otherwise instructed.

An announced early dismissal will follow the same procedure as the delay.  Clyde Locklear will dismiss essential staff as dictated by the weather conditions.

WHEN AN EMPLOYEE IS IN DOUBT WITH REGARD TO THESE PROCEDURES, HE/SHE SHOULD CONTACT THEIR IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR FOR CLARIFICATION.