Weather Procedures

Closing or Delaying School

In the event that severe weather is in the forecast, the decision to open or close schools will be communicated as soon as possible to parents/guardians and staff in several ways.

The final decision to open or close schools will be made by 5:00 a.m.

• Automated phone calls, via School Messenger, stating whether schools are to be open or closed will be made as soon as possible to parents and staff for whom the district has current phone numbers. (Please be sure that parent contact information is updated and accurate.)
• The information will be posted on the district’s social media.
• District Facebook, and the webpage will reflect delays and closures in a timely manner.
  
  

What are the factors in determining the closing of school or a delayed start due to inclement weather?

Employee and student safety are the focus when deciding school status during weather events. Regarding a “delayed” start, we still must start the bus routes approximately two hours before the delayed start time. Once schools are open for the day, classes are held for the entire school day so as to not inconvenience working parents or disrupt the learning environment.

Does it matter what the districts around Ozark City Schools are doing?

Not necessarily. OCS does consult with surrounding districts on the conditions in the area. We will make the best decision based on what is happening and forecasted in Ozark, AL.

Who makes the decision?

The superintendent of schools makes the final decision. However, there are many moving parts to making this decision. The Emergency Management Director confers with many agencies, including local police and fire departments and emergency management, National Weather Service and district personnel who are mobile in the city. If school closings can be decided upon the night before a school day, based on forecast and current conditions, notification will be sent by automated phone call/text. Ozark City Schools and Ozark PD will be mobile in the city, checking known roadways that will be difficult to travel by bus. The findings will be reported to the emergency management director who will brief the superintendent of Ozark City Schools. The findings are reported to the superintendent of schools, who makes the final decision to open or close schools.

What is the procedure if a decision is made during the school day?

In the event inclement weather occurs during a school day, Ozark City Schools will communicate with parents in the following ways:

• School Messenger Mass Communication System
• Parent Emails
• Facebook 
• District and Campus Websites

How is the community notified?

Notices will be posted on the district and campus websites. In addition, we use School Messenger to notify all staff and students. It is VERY important that the OCS has your most current contact information (home phone, cell). If you have changed any of these and have not contacted your school or updated them, you may not receive OCS notifications. 

Where can shelter be found?

In the event of an emergency, Ozark has a Safer Places location at Ridge Crest Church on Deese Rd. POC: Eddie Henderson 334-701-0309, and also at Providence Baptist Church in Clayhatchee (10 Providence Lane, Clayhatchee, AL) POC: Jerry Grandstaff; 334-596-5098.  They will remain open until the storm passes. Please bring any personal items for your stay (i.e. pillows, blankets, etc.). Food will not be provided. No pets.

OCS Weather Information

When inclement weather occurs, Ozark City Schools follow standard procedures to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

For the most reliable updates, check the following district information channels:
District website - https://www.ozarkcityschools.net/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ozarkcityschools/