FILE:  EBBD

SCHOOL CLOSING AND CANCELLATION

The Iberia Parish School Board shall authorize the Superintendent or his/her designee  to announce the closing of any or all schools if prevailing or potential hazards threaten the safety and well-being of students, staff, or school property.  Whenever practicable, the Superintendent shall make such decisions to close school(s) after consulting with appropriate community agencies. Public announcements and releases to news media shall be made or approved by the Superintendent or designee.

EMERGENCIES

If students have reported to school and an emergency arises during the school day, students may be dismissed early.  Such dismissal shall be only by direction of the Superintendent.  In the event of dismissal during the school day, all educational and building employees are to continue their work, unless otherwise notified by the Superintendent.  The Superintendent's office shall notify news media and other such persons and organizations as necessary of the decision to dismiss early.  In cases where students are dismissed early, teachers shall be expected to supervise all students under their jurisdiction until all students have departed from the school campus.

HURRICANES

The Superintendent shall have the authority to close public schools in Iberia Parish immediately whenever a hurricane warning is issued that includes Iberia Parish.  He/she may use his/her discretion as to closing schools whenever a hurricane watch is issued.  The Superintendent shall monitor these weather conditions closely.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Iberia Parish School Board