School Closure Guidelines

Criteria for Closure

Kent ISD will typically close student programs including Kent Career Tech Center, MySchool@Kent, Launch U, all Special Education Center Programs, and possibly office buildings if:

• All 20 public school districts we serve close OR -
• The number of local districts closing leaves Kent ISD programs with a very small number of students in attendance. This may happen when 17-18 school districts we serve close, depending on the size of the districts.

When Kent ISD remains open but some districts close, some of our programs may close as well due to their location in a closed district, for example:

• Great Start Readiness Program preschool classrooms will typically close when the district in which the classroom is located closes, or the community-based organization in which the classroom is located closes.
• Special Education Center Programs will typically close one or more locations when the district in which a program is located closes. For example, Lincoln School and Lincoln Developmental Center will close when Forest Hills Public Schools close. The Empower U page contains specific details for closing instances for those students.
• Early On, Bright Beginnings and Regional CTE Programs staffed by Kent ISD will typically cancel activities or close when the district is which a program or activity is located or scheduled closes. For example if Lowell Area Schools close, Bright Beginnings playgroups and Early On services to families in Lowell would be canceled. These same activities would still be open in other districts that are open.
• Adult Education will typically close one or more location when the district in which the program is located closes, such as if Grand Rapids Community College closes, the Adult Education at Sneden Hall would also close. Also, if all 20 public school districts we serve closed, or so many districts would close that we would be left with a very small number of students in attendance. Note: Adult Education evening classes may be held if a district or school is closed during the day, but resumes regular activities in the afternoon or evening.

Kent ISD Specific Impact Situations

Kent ISD may close student programs and offices independently of local school districts if the program or building or surrounding area is impacted by severe weather, the effects of that weather or if there are other challenges to safe operations. Considerations include, but are not limited to:

• Road conditions
• Power, water, internet or other utility outages or issues
• Direct impact to Kent ISD facilities, such as flooding or structural damage

Decision-Making Process

Preliminary Assessment

An initial evaluation of weather forecasts and current conditions, or utility service issues, is conducted by designated staff which may include the Superintendent, Director of Facilities and others.

Sources:

• National Weather Service
• Local weather forecasts (TV and online sources)
• State and local emergency management agencies

Frequency:

• Continuous monitoring during forecasted severe weather conditions
• Increased vigilance during known high-risk weather periods

Communication & Consultation with District Superintendents

• Early and ongoing communication between Kent ISD and local districts during a predicted or emerging weather event is critical to gauge closure decisions and understand regional impact and alignment.
• Communication between local district superintendents and the ISD is also critical to ensure Kent ISD’s awareness of local closures as soon as possible.

Final Decision

• The Superintendent (or designee in their absence) will make the final decision regarding closure based on gathered information and established criteria.
• Due to our programs serving students from across the region, Kent ISD relies heavily on the closure decisions of our local districts. In most cases, we will wait for district decisions to be made before closing our own programs. Exceptions include when our own facilities are significantly impacted.

Early Dismissals and Operations During a Closure

Early Dismissal

• If severe weather conditions hit or worsen, or a utility outage occurs during the school or work day, Kent ISD may opt to dismiss students early from Special Ed Center Programs, cancel one or more sessions at Kent Career Tech Center, MySchool@Kent, Launch U, Adult Ed and/or close office buildings early.
• Communication of early dismissal/closure will be shared via the same communication channels as a full-day closure.

Operations During a Closure

• When Kent ISD facilities close, typically only essential staff who maintain operations and safety for those facilities will report
• In the event Kent ISD offices or programs are closed and districts remain open, non-union staff will be informed by their supervisor of remote or onsite work expectations and protocols as necessary in order to maintain services to open districts. Staff who are part of a bargaining unit should refer to their current year contract for details.
• Typically, when Kent ISD offices are closed, per policy, staff only work remotely if directed by a supervisor.