Policy 2.3815

Emergency Closures

1. Purpose. This policy establishes guidelines for the emergency closing of schools and District facilities. The Board recognizes the importance of being prepared for various types of emergencies, both natural and human, that could occur while school is in session. This necessitates the need to develop appropriate plans and procedures to deal with such emergencies at school facilities or involving school transport. It is important that students, employees and parents be knowledgeable about the various emergency plans and procedures and to be prepared should such an emergency occur.

2. Definitions. For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall have the meanings as set out below.

   1. Emergency means any occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological, or manmade, in war or in peace, which results or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population or substantial damage to or loss of property, as defined in Sec. 252.34, Fla. Stat.

   2. Disaster means any natural, technological, or civil emergency that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to result in a declaration of a state of emergency by a county, the Governor, or the President of the United States.

   3. Manmade emergency means an emergency caused by an action against persons or society, including, but not limited to, enemy attack, sabotage, terrorism, civil unrest, or other action impairing the orderly administration of government.

   4. Natural emergency means an emergency caused by a natural event, including, but not limited to, a hurricane, a storm, a flood, severe wave action, a drought, or an earthquake.

   5. Technological emergency means an emergency caused by a technological failure or accident, including, but not limited to, an explosion, transportation accident, radiological accident, or chemical or other hazardous material incident.

3. Policy Statement. In case of an hazardous or emergency condition, the Superintendent or designee is empowered to close all schools, close selected schools, delay openings of schools or the early dismissal of students in the event of hazardous or emergency conditions which threaten the health, safety or welfare of District students and personnel. A Principal may dismiss a school when the Superintendent and Area Superintendent cannot be contacted and an extreme hazard or emergency exists endangering the health, safety or welfare of students. Any such early dismissal made by the Principal shall be reported immediately to the Superintendent's and Area Superintendent's offices with a statement describing the reasons for early dismissal. Such report shall be made to the Board at its next regular meeting unless a special meeting is held relating to the emergency.

   1. The Superintendent or designees in consultation with the Transportation Department may alter transportation schedules as are appropriate to the particular condition.

   2. In a declared state of emergency, control of students shall be maintained by school personnel until the students are released from school, or in the case of transported students, until they depart from the school bus.

   3. Parents and staff will be notified of the procedures that will be used to notify them in case of an emergency closure. The School Board will be informed in the event of an actual emergency closure.

   4. The Crisis Management Plan, as provided for in Board Policy 2.38 (School Crisis Planning) will provide procedures for the School District and for each school site, and will be used prior to, during, or after any emergency situation..

4. Administrative Procedures. The Superintendent will develop administrative regulations as necessary, and review and update as needed, to implement this policy.