Inclement Weather Procedures
If inclement weather occurs and the conditions affect the safety of our students and staff, the Superintendent will make all decisions regarding the closure of facilities, delay start or early release of students. When it becomes necessary to open late, release students early or cancel school, information regarding this matter will be broadcasted through all local media outlets and posted on the EPISD website, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and EPISD Headlines Around the District.
The decision to close schools will be based primarily on the condition of district roads and/or other environmental conditions that could jeopardize the safety of our children. In the event of inclement weather, the EPISD Inclement Weather Advisory Committee will meet at 4:00 am to analyze up to date information and develop a response plan.
The EPISD Inclement Weather Advisory Committee consists of the following individuals:
Rolando Salinas - Deputy Superintendent of District Operations
Humberto Araiza - Transportation Director
Rey Lopez - Assistant Transportation Director
Ricardo Sanchez - Safety Officer
Crestino Ynosencio - EPISD Chief of Police
Edward Graf - Athletic Director
Pedro Felan - Facilities and Maintenance Director
The EPISD Inclement Weather Advisory Committee will report all information to the Superintendent who in turn will make the final decision to delay or close EPISD facilities. School will be canceled only during the following circumstances; extreme weather, facility equipment failure, environmental hazards, or a public crisis that causes a significant safety risk.
When will I know if schools are closed or a 2-hour delay will occur?
A final decision will not be made until morning hours. The decision to delay or close schools will be made by the Superintendent at 5:00 PM. Shortly thereafter, information detailing the closure or delay start of facilities will be posted on the EPISD website, social media and relayed through all local media outlets at 6:00am.
Who makes the decision to have a 2-hour delay or close schools?
The Superintendent will make the decision based upon current weather conditions, weather forecasts and/or current road conditions.
What if schools are open but I have concerns about the safety of my child during inclement weather?
If a decision is made for schools to remain open, parents/guardians have the option to keep their children home for health and safety reasons. Parents/guardians are ultimately responsible for making this decision. If you decide to keep your child home in any situation including inclement weather, you should be aware that your child will be marked as absent.
How do I find out if schools have a 2-hour delay or are closed?
When the decision to delay or close schools is finalized by the Superintendent, the Public Information Officer will disseminate all information through the local media outlets, EPISD website and social media. Most media outlets will not announce if schools are to remain open. If there isn’t an announcement, schools will remain in session.
Are employees on duty when schools are closed?
If schools are to be closed or delayed due to inclement of weather, the district will fall into one of three levels listed below.
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Level 1: Delayed Start - School will open at 10:00 AM
EPISD personnel will begin their work day at the following times:
- Cafeteria Personnel - 5:30 AM
- Custodians - 7:00 AM
- Campus Administration & Secretaries - 7:30 AM
- Clerks/Office Staff - 8:00 AM
- DSC/De Luna/Warehouse/Police Department/Multi-Plex - 8:00 AM
- Nurses/Counselors/Teachers/Instructional Staff - 9:30 AM
- Students - 10:00 AM
Bus transportation will begin at:
- Elementary - 8:15 AM
- Early Childhood/Jr. High/High School - 9:15 AM
Breakfast will be cereal, milk, fruit, and juice.
Lunch will follow planned menu.
At no time will school personnel be REQUIRED to RISK their SAFETY to report to campus. Use your discretion. If you feel conditions are too dangerous and your safety may be compromised, please contact Mr. Rolando Salinas, Deputy Superintendent of District Operations, to assure proper personnel are present in your absence.
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Level 2: No School - All schools are closed.
EPISD personnel will begin their work day at the following times:
- Custodians - 7:00 AM
- Campus Administration & Secretaries - 7:30 AM
- DSC/De Luna/Warehouse/Police Department/Multi-Plex - 8:00 AM
- Food Service/Transportation - Do not report to work
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Level 3: All EPISD facilities will be closed.
ALL EPISD STAFF & STUDENTS DO NOT REPORT.
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What happens if the weather worsens during the school day?
EPISD will try to avoid unexpected early dismissals however situations may arise when early dismissals are unavoidable. It is important for schools to be able to reach parents and designated childcare providers during daytime hours. Please ensure schools have up to date telephone numbers and emergency contact information. When it is necessary to dismiss children during school business hours, the district will contact local media and provide as much advance notice as possible via Remind. If weather conditions worsen and schools remain open, it is not recommended that parents pick up their children early.
What provisions will be made for after school activities when schools are delayed or closed?
All school-sponsored after school activities are cancelled when an early dismissal or school closing occurs due to inclement weather conditions. Please contact your child’s school to determine when activities will be rescheduled. Some programs may close when school is delayed, while others may remain open. Please follow the procedures for inclement weather provided by your child’s program.
