There are many reasons why school can be delayed or cancelled.
Milton Superintendent Dr. John Bickhart said school can be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, temperature or safety concerns. He said that some of these weather conditions can include snow, ice or flooding. Temperatures that feel like 0 or below can cause a delay as well, he added.
According to Dr. Bickhart, he said he has called for a total of 15 delays since he became the Superintendent in the 22-23 school year. He added that his most unusual one was the recent multi-day 0 degree temperature days in late January.
“My time frame for calling delays is no later than 9 p.m. the evening before if possible, and no later than 5:30 a.m. the morning of a delay,” he said.
To help make better weather calls, Dr. Bickhart said he communicates with a group called the “Road Masters.” They are a group of township employees who tell him about the road conditions throughout different townships. He often contacts them by text or email, he said. If buses are not able to move safely, the district has to have a delay, added Dr. Bickhart.
“Something I am currently working on is frequently asked questions for families that we are going to post on our website,” Dr. Bickhart said. Some of these questions include weather conditions or reasons for delay or closure, he added. Dr Bickhart said this can let families know about the conditions for a delay or closure.
Dr. Bickhart explained that school can also be cancelled or delayed due to safety concerns, such as active threats. Dr. Bickhart said he works closely with the police to determine the severity of any threats. If police are not able to get enough closure on a situation, the district is forced to close, he added.
He said that once police are certain that the situation was handled, the school is allowed to open.
“I would say that broken water pipes would be the most interesting reason we have dismissed school,” said High School Principal Mr. Michael Bergey. He added that he does not remember what year that happened.
According to Dr. Bickhart, in 2024, Act 44 was implemented throughout the state. He said this requires him to identify if there is an active weapon violation. He added that this takes the guesswork out of situations and ensures transparency to parents.
“I have 24 hours to notify families on the campus that the incident happened,” he added.
Since the integration of the act, schools in Pennsylvania are forced to close if there are specific safety concerns that have not been addressed, said Dr. Bickhart.
