November 3, 2025
Dear Families and Community Members,
As winter approaches, I’d like to take a moment to explain how the Bradford Area School District determines whether to delay or cancel school due to inclement weather.
Each evening and early into the morning, our Transportation Director, Maintenance Director, and I monitor the weather forecast across multiple stations and locations throughout our large district. Our decision-making process begins around 4:30 a.m. At that time, we make contacts throughout the district to assess conditions and drive several key roadways. A decision must be made by approximately 5:30 a.m., as our buses begin their routes shortly thereafter. The Bradford Area School District covers over 254 square miles, and road conditions can vary greatly depending on where you live. What may be clear in one area can be snow-covered or icy in another.
In some cases, roads appear fine early in the morning but deteriorate quickly without warning. Because our district operates two separate bus runs, a two-hour delay is only practical if it moves the first run out of hazardous weather without putting the second run into worsening conditions. This can make decisions more complicated than in smaller districts that operate a single bus run. While our buses are heavy and handle snow well, ice presents a danger to any vehicle, so if large portions of our district report freezing rain or sleet, we will always err on the side of caution.
Temperature and wind chill are also factors in our decisions. We will delay or close school when the temperature and/or wind chill fall below -20°F to -25°F for an extended period or during times when students would be waiting outdoors. Prolonged exposure to these temperatures can be dangerous. With many of our students walking to school or waiting at bus stops, we take this very seriously.
We are fortunate in the Bradford Area School District that all of our students have one-to-one devices. When we have advanced warning of severe weather, we may transition to a virtual instruction day instead of canceling school entirely. Our teachers prepare students for this type of learning in advance, and devices and any necessary materials will be sent home the day before. This allows instruction to continue safely from home while maintaining consistency in learning.
Even with careful consideration and consultation, weather reports are not perfect, and conditions can change suddenly. If a parent believes that roadways in their area are unsafe or that temperatures are too extreme for their child, we fully respect that decision. Simply send a note to the school, and the absence will not be considered illegal. We understand that local conditions and student needs can vary, and your child’s safety is always our top priority.
Finally, I want to acknowledge that our “system” for determining delays and closures is not foolproof. Despite our best efforts, conditions can change rapidly or differ across our district. Please know that every decision is made with student and staff safety in mind, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the challenges of Pennsylvania winters together.
Sincerely,
Erin E. Waugaman