Mr. VanArnhem started with a discussion on calamity days. He clarified that a variety of factors are analyzed and the priority is always safety. The goal is to have our students in front of their teachers, but there are times when safety trumps this goal and a calamity day is called. Mr. VanArnhem explained that school closures may occur for a variety of issues that include heavy snowfall, hazardous road conditions, freezing rain, power outages, or dangerous wind chills. Occasionally, a combination of these factors leads to the decision to declare a calamity day. He explained that he begins the decision-making process well before 5:30 am. The choice is made in consultation with our transportation supervisor and the service department for updates on road conditions.
As parents, if you believe that weather conditions pose a risk to your children's safety and schools remain open, you have the option to keep them at home. With that being said, the district has had five calamity days to date. After the seventh calamity day, the district will move to remote learning. Details will be communicated out as if we approach that seventh calamity day.
Mr. VanArnhem stated that the Kirtland Local Schools will be on the ballot on March 19th for a renewal levy. A renewal levy is not a tax increase. Factual information on the levy can be found on our website at https://docs.google.com/document/d/118enk-1AiK7YXzXDdzf0OfA4JhmFHz_OvC8rF3zlKuc/edit?usp=sharing.