CLOSING OR DELAYING SCHOOL

In the event of inclement weather, the decision to open, delay start, or close schools will be made no later than 6 a.m. on the day in question and communicated in several ways:

1. Automated phone calls, texts, and emails to parents and staff
2. ROISD app notification
3. District Facebook and Twitter
4. District website
5. Local media (please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all media postings, so refer to www.redoakisd.org)

What are the factors in determining the closing of school or a delayed start due to inclement weather? Safety is the most important consideration. This is determined if buses can run and our parents and young drivers can make it to school safely when exercising reasonable caution. If one part of our district is icy and cannot be traveled safely, we make the call to delay or cancel even though another part of the district may not have the same dangerous road conditions. Regarding a delayed start, we still must start the bus routes approximately two hours before the delayed start time.

Does it matter what the schools around Red Oak are doing? As we all know, Texas weather can be patchy and affect many areas differently. Although we check with surrounding ISDs, we make this decision based on what is happening in ROISD. 

Who makes the decision? The decision-making process to close schools begins around 4 a.m. when school personnel drive the streets to check road conditions. Personnel consult with local emergency management officials about forecasts, road conditions, and possible utility issues. The findings are reported to the superintendent of schools who makes the final decision to open or close schools.

What is the procedure if a decision is made during the school day? If inclement weather occurs during a school day, Red Oak ISD will communicate with parents in the following ways:

1. Automated phone calls, texts, and emails to parents and staff
2. ROISD app notification
3. District Facebook and Twitter
4. District website
5. Local media (please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all media postings, so refer to District website)

How is the community notified? Notices will be posted on the district website and social media channels. In addition, we use an automated system to contact all staff and students and send a notification through the ROISD app. This is why it is VERY important that the ISD has your most current contact information (home phone, cell). If you have changed any of these and have not contacted your school, you may not receive ISD notifications. Be sure to download the app and activate the notifications [ROISD Mobile App site].