Whenever possible, the DeForest Area School District will announce school closings or later morning starting time by 6:00 am. These announcements are made on local TV and radio stations, and email messages are sent to DASD families using contact information in Skyward Family Access. School closings or later morning starting time information will also be made available as follows:
- School Closings/Delay Hotline at 608-842-6668
- Website & App ("alert" message will appear)
- X/Twitter (@DASDalerts)
- Facebook (DeForest Area School District)
School district staff take decisions to delay, close, or dismiss school due to inclement weather conditions very seriously. The most important consideration in the decision is children’s safety. Can we safely transport children to and from school – and at what point in time is it the safest? Many people and factors are involved. The process begins as early as 4:00 a.m. The manager of Kobussen and DASD Superintendent confer about weather conditions with information from national and local weather services. County and municipal road crews are contacted to assess road conditions and the extent to which they will be safe to travel at the time students are to be transported. A professional driver travels a rural route and is consulted for their input as to the safety of travel on the road. If plows are able to have snow removed from the majority of bus routes, and there is no concern for high winds or a rate of snowfall that would prohibit keeping the roads clear, buses can operate safely. Few vehicles are safer than buses with professional drivers in winter driving conditions. If it is determined we cannot safely transport children to school, or cannot safely transport children home from school, then schools will be delayed, or closed. Whenever possible, the final decision to close or delay school will be made by 6:00 a.m.
While district staff may choose to alter the school day due to weather conditions, nothing overrides the judgment as a parent/guardian. If parents/guardians have sincere concern for the safety of their child, they can certainly be kept home or be picked up from school early.
In the end, the ability to safely move our students to and from school is the primary determinant for closing, delaying, or dismissing school early. That safety is determined with input from many professionals who are committed to the safety of children - a responsibility that is not taken lightly.