Avon Superintendent Gary Mala On School Closings

The following letter is from Superintendent Gary Mala:

Dear Parents, Staff and Concerned Citizens:
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the beginning of the winter season.
Given the increased possibility of weather causing disruptions to school schedules, I wish to take this opportunity to share with you how the decision is made to postpone, cancel or conduct school during periods of inclement weather.
Let me begin by reiterating that the safety of students and staff traveling to schools is the single greatest factor considered when making the decision to alter a daily school schedule. My communications with neighboring districts’ Superintendents begins at
approximately 4:00 a.m. These contacts are followed by my participation in a conference call with the Superintendents of school
districts in the north central and north western section of our state.

Participating in the conference call is a contracted weather professional who has many years of advising school districts about the specifics associated with weather events. Calls are also made to the Avon Police Department, the Avon Department of Public Works and the district’s Director of Facilities for reports regarding the conditions of the parking areas and sidewalks. Before the final decision is made, communication is again exchanged with Superintendents of school districts contiguous to ours with a final decision being achieved at approximately 5:15 a.m. The decision is then communicated via district based electronic systems and on all identified television and radio sources.
My hope is that any weather we experience this winter does not cause a need to significantly disrupt the normal, daily schedules of our schools.
I am also confirming that all school delays will be announced as two (2) hour delays. Classes for half-day kindergarten students and morning only pre-school students would be cancelled. This 2 hour delay schedule continues to address a number of issues including but not limited to 1) the need to allow sufficient time for the Town of Avon Public Works to complete their work on local streets, 2) district maintenance and custodial staff to adequately prepare all school property in the event of inclement weather, and 3) resolve the frequent, observed confusion regarding bus times and school starting times when any other duration in delay is announced.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to provide for the safety of students and staff. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (860) 404-4700 or email me at gmala@avon.k12.ct.us.
I look forward to communicating with you again very soon and thank you for the continued opportunity to serve you and your children.

Very truly yours,
Gary
Gary S. Mala
Superintendent of Schools
Avon Public Schools
gmala@avon.k12.ct.us