Snow Day Information

If snow has fallen heavily during the night and you wonder if schools are open or closed, turn on the TV to Channel 3/5, Channel 9 and Channel 10 to hear school closings or delays. All broadcasters have the news by 6:00 a.m. and it is on the air by 6:30 a.m.
 

Snow Day FAQ Quick Links

How does the district notify parents about delays or closures?
How does the district decide whether to delay or close school?
Why is the entire district closed or delayed rather than just specific areas?
What should parents do to prepare for delays or closures?

FAQ: How Cazenovia Central School District Decides on Two-Hour Delays and Closures

At Cazenovia Central School District, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Decisions regarding two-hour delays and closures are made carefully, considering weather conditions, road safety, and the unique challenges of our 110-square-mile district. Below are answers to common questions about our decision-making process.

1. How does the district decide whether to delay or close school?

We collaborate closely with local highway departments to assess road conditions throughout our district. Decisions are based on current and forecasted weather, reports from highway officials, and the ability of buses and other vehicles to travel safely across all areas.

Several key factors are evaluated:

• Current and forecasted weather conditions.
• Reports from highway departments on road safety.
• The ability for buses to safely navigate all roads in the district.
• The timing of hazardous conditions, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.

Unsafe roads put students, staff, and bus drivers at risk; we always err on the side of caution to ensure everyone's safety. 

2. Why is the entire district closed or delayed rather than just specific areas?

New York State law requires school districts to make decisions uniformly across the entire district. This means that if buses are unsafe to travel anywhere within the district, we must delay or close school; we cannot legally open part of the district while keeping other areas closed.

Why do weather conditions vary so much across the area?

Weather conditions can vary significantly between districts and within the district due to geography, elevation, and proximity to lakes. Because of this, Cazenovia faces unique challenges, including:

• Lake Effect Snow: Cold air moving over nearby Lake Ontario can create localized snow bands, causing heavy snowfall in specific areas of our district while neighboring districts experience little or no snow.
• Elevation and Microclimates: Higher elevations in our district often experience colder temperatures, more snow, and icier roads than lower-lying areas.
• Freezing Rain: Cazenovia is prone to freezing rain, which creates icy road conditions that are slower to thaw, especially in shaded or forested areas.
• Wind Chill and Blowing Snow: Open fields and higher altitudes make parts of our district more susceptible to strong winds, blowing snow, and reduced visibility.
• Weather Fronts: Cazenovia is at the convergence of Arctic air masses and moist southern air, resulting in unpredictable conditions when weather fronts interact.

These factors often make our district's roads more challenging than those in neighboring areas. Each district assesses its unique conditions, which is why decisions may differ from one district to another.

How do different road treatment methods affect road conditions in our district?

Different municipalities within our district use varying methods to treat roads during snow and ice events, leading to differences in road safety:

• Salt and Sand Treatments: Madison County uses a combination of salt and sand. Salt melts snow and ice by lowering the freezing point of water, while sand improves traction, particularly on hills and curves. In Onondaga County, salt is often the primary treatment for busier roads, with sand used selectively to enhance traction.
• Challenges with Treatment: Salt becomes less effective at very low temperatures (below 15°F), and heavy snowfall or freezing rain can quickly overwhelm even well-treated roads. Some municipalities prioritize main roads and bus routes first, leaving secondary or less-traveled roads untreated until later, resulting in varying road conditions across the district.

These variations in road treatment practices can significantly impact travel safety within our district, influencing decisions on delays or closures to ensure all students and staff remain safe.

3. How does the district notify parents about delays or closures?

We aim to notify families as early as possible through:

• ParentSquare notifications.
• Local news stations: Channel 3/5, Channel 9, and Channel 10
• The district’s website and social media pages: CazenoviaCSD Facebook page

4. What should parents do to prepare for delays or closures?

We recommend that families have contingency plans in place for days when school is delayed or closed. It’s also important to monitor weather forecasts and look for district notifications.

We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these challenges. If you have additional questions, please contact the district office. Thank you for helping us keep all students safe!
 

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