Broken Arrow Public Schools Logo

Inclement Weather Procedures

October 31, 2023

Launch the media gallery 1 player

Broken Arrow Public Schools is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff. In the event of inclement weather, there are five snow days built into the instructional calendar, meaning if the district does not use any snow days, the last day of school will be five days sooner. In certain circumstances or emergencies, distance learning may still be used.

The following information explains how closure decisions are made and how families/staff can get the most current information possible:

How are decisions made to cancel school?

When deciding whether to close schools, a number of factors are taken into consideration, including the amount of snow fall, condition of residential and thoroughfare roads, temperature, and the ability to clear parking lots and sidewalks. District administrators closely monitor local forecasts at the first announcement of severe weather, while also personally traveling the roads in various areas of the district. If school is closed, all after-school activities, including sports and evening events, will also be canceled.

How are parents notified when school is canceled?

Closure information will be sent to parents/guardians and employees by telephone and email using our automated messenger system, SchoolMessenger. It will also be posted to the district’s website, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram (@baschools) and shared with local television stations.

What options will the district consider when weather conditions are severe?

Severe Weather (Thunderstorms/Tornadic Storms/Heavy Snow/Ice)

• If strong storms are indicated on radar, the following actions may be taken:
  • Release students normally
  • Hold students in the school sites and delay bus dismissal
  • Canceling bus dismissal and holding students for parents to retrieve
• Families and staff will be notified via SchoolMessenger of any changes to normal release procedures.

Flooding

• The transportation department has maps of flood prone areas within the district and will monitor those areas during times of heavy rain or flooding.
• Communication will be generated to sites where flooding may affect a student’s ability to attend school in person so that arrangements can be made and absences excused.
• A communication via SchoolMessenger will be generated by transportation to alert parents of delays or if we are unable to access their student’s bus stops. 

Winter Weather (Snow/Ice)

• When winter weather is forecasted, the transportation department will begin checking bus routes at 3 a.m.
• In most cases, the district makes the final decision to cancel school no later than 5:30 a.m. on the school day under consideration. The decision is made on a day-to-day basis after weather and road conditions have been assessed. If school is closed, all after-school activities, including sports and evening events, will also be canceled.
• The decision to close due to snow/ice will be reported first on local news stations and the district’s social media outlets. A communication via SchoolMessenger will be sent no earlier than 6 a.m.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school site.