Below is an explanation from SAU 16 Superintendent Arthur Hanson on how
decisions are made for schools regarding inclement weather.

Difficulties of School Closing Decisions

We understand that decisions to have delayed opening, early releases or school cancellations due to inclement weather have a large affect on families. We also understand that our students are best served both academically and socially, by being in school. However, my top priority is always the safety of our students and staff.

How decisions are made Numerous factors are considered in school cancellations, delayed openings and early releases. We must give careful considerations to the most dangerous roads in our SAU 16 districts, which are comprised of six different towns spread over a diverse geographic area with many secondary roads.

On “delayed openings” or “school cancellations” days, I begin to collect information around 4:00 AM that morning. My first conversation is always with the SAU Director of Operations, Dick Wendell. We share whatever information either of us has gathered such as the amount of snow and/or ice that has accumulated or will be accumulating according to the weather forecast; if the school parking lots and walkways can be sufficiently cleared prior to school opening; and the severity of the forecasted wind and temperature chill factors that morning.

From 4:00 AM on, Dick and I are also in constant contact with SAU 17 (Sanborn Regional), SAU 21 (Hampton area), SAU 50 (Rye/Greenland) and SAU 52 (Portsmouth).  All of these SAU’s including SAU 16, are having discussions with our highway and police departments to collect the best information possible for the decision that has to be made. Additional forecasts during the night from meteorologists on the most up-to-date predictions are also reviewed.  Because we have to notify our bus drivers in a timely manner, a 5:30 AM decision has to be made.

It has always been the philosophy of SAU 16 personnel during inclement weather to encourage parents if, at any time, they feel it is not safe for their child to attend school, to use their best judgment whether he/she should attend. If a child does not attend due to a parental concern for safety factors, his/her absence will be excused. Additionally, we urge parents to discourage their teenagers from driving in inclement conditions as the bus is always an alternative means of transportation for students.

If a “delayed opening” is called, it is because we believe the extra time allowed will enable both the town and school road and maintenance crews to plow, sand and or shovel to negate safety concerns regarding the conditions of the roads, parking lots and walkways. Should an “early release” be called, the decision is made because indicators exist that the current weather conditions will worsen by the normal school release time. Additionally, if we see weather conditions suddenly escalate and create possible unsafe driving conditions close to school release time, we encourage high school students to leave their cars in the school parking lot and ride the bus home.   Although we use this assessment process to try and make the best possible decision regarding inclement weather, we know that often no perfect decision exists. I hope this explanation helps everyone understand the process that we use to make the safest assessment for all the children and staff in SAU 16. Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 775-8653 or ahanson@sau16.org.

-Arthur L. Hanson, Superintendent of Schools