04: Emergency School Closings and Safety
Sometimes severe weather or emergencies require schools to close or dismiss early. If schools are closed, we’ll notify families through phone, text, email, the District website, social media, and local TV/radio. If you don’t hear otherwise, assume schools are open.
During emergencies, we follow plans designed with police, fire, and safety officials. Schools hold regular drills for fire, tornado, lockdown, and bus evacuation so students and staff know what to do. If a real emergency occurs, families will be informed through our notification system and given instructions for reunification with students.
Policy / Legal Requirements
- The Superintendent or designee decides when schools close for safety reasons (Board Policy 4:170).
- Required drills: 3 fire evacuations, 1 tornado/severe weather, 1 lockdown/intruder, 1 bus evacuation per year (School Safety Drill Act, 105 ILCS 128/).
- Parents must keep emergency contact information up to date so they can be reached quickly.
- Reunification requires ID and authorization to ensure students are released only to approved adults.
References
- Board Policy 4:170 – Safety
- Illinois School Safety Drill Act, 105 ILCS 128/