FILE:  AFC

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOLS

The Superintendent shall be authorized to announce the closing of schools if prevailing or potential hazards threaten the safety and well-being of students, staff, or school property.  The decision to close schools shall be made by the Superintendent after conferring, when administratively feasible, with members of the School Board and other community agencies responsible for the safety and well-being of the community. 

Public announcements and releases to news media shall be made or approved by the Superintendent or designee.  Each School Board member shall also be notified of any school closing.

If students have reported to school and an emergency arises during the school day, students may be dismissed early.  Such dismissal shall be only by direction of the Superintendent.  In the event of dismissal during the school day, all educational and building employees are to continue their work, unless otherwise notified by the Superintendent.  The Superintendent's office will notify news media and other such persons and organizations as necessary of the decision to dismiss early.  In cases where students are dismissed early, teachers are expected to supervise all students under their jurisdiction until they have departed from the school campus.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81

Catahoula Parish School Board