Threatening weather such as snow, ice or fog, which may occur during the school year, can disrupt the regular school schedule. This can be most apparent during the winter months. Snow, ice or fog can create conditions which may require schools to be delayed or cancelled.

Our district staff understands that our decision to open or close schools in bad weather has a big effect on families. We also understand that our students are better served both academically and socially, by being in school. However, our top priority is the safety of our students.

The Superintendent and the Transportation Department make the decision to delay/close by 5:30 AM or earlier. School closing information is made available to families by School Messenger; the automated phone call system in place and on the following television and radio stations:

• WNWO – TV 24                    
• WTOL – TV 11    
• WTVG – TV 13          
• CHANNEL 3
• CHANNEL 8
• CHANNEL 5
• CHANNEL 19
• OHIO NEWS NETWORK
• WFRO - FREMONT                      
• WCPZ – SANDUSKY  

Classes will begin two (2) hours later than usual. Immaculate Conception students will also be on the same delay. The Ehove bus will depart the high school two (2) hours later than originally scheduled. Dismissal for all schools will be at the normal dismissal times. Students that attend other schools that we service will also be on the same delay.

Delaying the opening of school provides additional time for school personnel, city personnel and county personnel to remove snow and ice from the roadways and sidewalks. In the event weather conditions do not improve as expected, the schools may close. When schools are closed all schools in the district are closed including Immaculate Conception. There will be no bus transportation provided for the out of town schools that we may service, that remain open. Please know that if Bellevue Schools are announced closed, that is a final decision and will not be changed.

Weather conditions can delay the buses from arriving on time to the appointed bus stops. Every effort is made to adhere to the normal transportation times but safety of the students is our main objective. Students are still required to be ready at the bus stop prior to the arrival of the bus. When a bus is late to individual schools, students are excused for the time and are not counted tardy to school.

• Information on road conditions from transportation staff and other local officials. We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district. One street looks clear; travel elsewhere in the district may be dangerous. Our district buses are routed in four counties; Seneca, Sandusky, Erie and Huron covering 115 square miles.
• Consideration given to some high school students that may drive to school.
• Amount of snow and ice accumulation.
• Lack of electricity or heat in the buildings due to power outage.
• Temperature and wind chill. Some of our students walk to school, and some must wait outside for the bus.
• Decision of neighboring districts. Sharing information with other local districts and checking if they are opening and closing.

Although we do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you feel that it is unsafe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on weather he or she should attend.

We hope this explanation helps everyone understand the process our staff uses to make the best possible decision for everyone in the District.