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School Closures: How We Decide

SCHOOL CLOSURES: HOW WE DECIDE

The Pascagoula-Gautier School District logo features a bridge over water with a sunset.

The safety of our students, staff, and families is always the Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s top priority. When severe or inclement weather is possible, district leaders carefully review multiple factors before deciding whether to close school, delay the start of the school day, or adjust transportation routes.

We understand that families rely on timely and clear communication when weather conditions are uncertain. This page is designed to help our community understand how weather-related decisions are made, who is involved in the process, and when families can expect updates. While weather conditions can change quickly, our goal is to make informed decisions as early as possible and communicate them clearly across all district channels.

 

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INCLEMENT WEATHER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know that weather-related school decisions can raise important questions for families and staff. The following frequently asked questions are intended to provide clarity about how weather decisions are made, what factors are considered, and how the district communicates during severe weather events.

While every weather situation is different, these answers offer general guidance on the district’s procedures and priorities. Our goal is to be transparent, consistent, and focused on safety while recognizing the needs of our families and community.

  • Weather-related decisions are made by the superintendent with information from local weather officials and emergency management agencies guiding. The decision-making process includes input from transportation, facilities, local weather forecasts, road conditions and public safety information.

  • The district considers several factors, including:

    • Current and forecasted weather conditions

    • Road and bridge safety across the district

    • Bus route conditions and student transportation safety

    • School building conditions and power availability

    • The ability to safely staff schools

    Because conditions can vary across our district, decisions are made with the safety of all students and staff in mind.

  • Weather conditions can vary greatly by location and time of day. In some cases, conditions may improve by the time students travel to school, or impacts may be limited to certain areas. The district continuously monitors conditions and makes the best decision possible with the most accurate information available at the time.

  • Families will receive notifications through the district’s official communication channels, including:

    • ParentSquare notifications, text messages and emails

    • The district website

    • Official district social media accounts

    Families are encouraged to keep their contact information updated with students’ schools to ensure they receive timely alerts.

  • Yes. Parents and guardians always have the discretion to make the best decision for their family’s safety. Families should follow their school’s attendance procedures if a student is absent.

  • When school schedules are adjusted due to weather, decisions regarding after-school activities, athletic events, and extracurricular programs will be communicated separately, as conditions may change throughout the day.

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