February 12, 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Madison City Schools will be closed on Thursday, February 13.
We have been in constant contact this evening with EMA and Madison Police. Conditions continue to deteriorate. Eastview Drive is currently closed and we're getting reports of icing on other roadways. Additional snowfall is expected, with temperatures dipping below freezing. All of this points to hazardous driving conditions tomorrow morning.
We debated going to a two hour delay and taking a "wait and see" stance. Even with a delay, we would have to put employees on the road at 7 a.m. Temperatures are not expected to be above freezing until around 9 a.m. Additionally, we know it is easier for your planning if you know in advance what to expect. We did not want to get into a situation where we announced a two hour delay and then had to suddenly extend that to a full day.
I really hate closing school, and especially three days in a row. We only get 180 days of school with your children, and the school days from winter break to spring break are prime teaching and learning times. This is compounded this week because Friday is a scheduled half day for students. Some have asked if we could make Friday a full day, but many families have made travel plans based on our announced calendar. Friday's afternoon is dedicated to professional development for our teachers. This is very valuable for our teachers; and our students are ultimately the winners of a better prepared teacher.
After weighing all options, we feel this is the best decision for the safety of our students. Thank you for your patience throughout this extended weather event.
DF
Dr. Dee O. Fowler
Superintendent of Education
fowler@madisoncity.k12.al.us