Inclement Weather

The district makes every effort to decide and announce decisions to close schools before 5:30 a.m. The planning and review process begins the night before. After a decision is made, a message is posted on Jeffco’s social media channels, district and school websites, local news stations, and sent to Jeffco families via email, text and phone.

Weather and road conditions are checked throughout Jefferson County beginning the night before.

The district gathers as much information as possible and monitors ongoing weather reports from weather forecasting services, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and local and state law enforcement agencies.

Specific personnel who are at district and school sites early and who are located throughout our district are consulted.

After a complete review of available data, district officials will provide a recommendation before 5 a.m., to the district administrator who will make the final decision.

No, but temperature is one of many factors taken into consideration when making a decision to close or delay school. Extreme temperatures may cause schools to limit recess, off-campus lunch hours for high schools, or extracurricular activities.

District personnel make every effort to protect students and provide for their comfort. Sometimes power outages cause classrooms to get cold, but the district does not want to send students home unsupervised. School principals can make the decision to send students home. If this happens, the district uses social media and the email, text and phone capabilities of SchoolMessenger to notify families and will post notifications on the district and school websites. Students will not be transported home without family notification.

Families have the option to keep students home when weather conditions are extreme.

Students should always be dressed appropriately for whatever weather conditions exist. No one can predict when a fire alarm might go off or when buildings might be evacuated due to an emergency.

Families are encouraged to make arrangements for their students at the beginning of each school year in case of school closures.

Families should always maintain current contact information and emergency contact information in Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

All bus stops will operate unless an emergency announcement is made. In inclement weather, buses may run late for a variety of reasons, but usually less than 15 minutes. Prepare your student in warm clothing to wait additional time at the bus stop. 

Families should have an alternate plan in case a bus is extremely late or breaks down before arriving at the bus stop. Discuss with your student what to do and who to call if the bus does not arrive.

Yes. The district may close select schools due to unsafe conditions, but leave other schools open that are not affected by the issue. Jeffco covers more than 770 square miles and conditions can be very different throughout the county.

The following personnel should make every effort to accomplish essential and required work either remotely or by reporting physically to work. Additionally, departments should determine annually any essential personnel and work activities that must occur in the event of school/district closings and ensure all personnel understand their responsibilities:

• Superintendent and Cabinet 
• School Leadership Team
• Security office personnel
• Facility managers or designated custodians

Cabinet members will be available to essential personnel on inclement weather days.

Nonexempt employees (people entitled to overtime pay) should not be asked to report to work unless their responsibilities are to respond to the emergency that caused the closing. For example, snow removal by the custodians would be an appropriate reason for their being at the schools even if the school is closed to student and teacher use.

In general, exempt personnel (administrators and other licensed employees) will not be required to work (either in person or remotely) when district schools are closed.  However, in limited cases, facilities may be closed but employees may be expected to report to work.  This information will be determined and clearly communicated at the time the closure is announced.

Employees can read the updated policy EBCE regarding school closings/cancellations and two-hour delays in BoardDocs.