Closings and Delays: A Difficult Decision
The decision to delay or close school is one of the most difficult and most carefully thought out in any school District. The complexity of Lakeland with its variety of different types of roads and terrain, requires a careful process be followed whenever winter weather poses a threat.

The Superintendent of Schools is notified of the approach of potentially hazardous weather as early as information becomes available, sometimes the day before a storm is to arrive.

Beginning very early in the morning when inclement weather is forecast, the Superintendent is in close contact with the Supervisor of Lakeland's Transportation Department. The supervisor remains in close contact with an area weather service, highway departments and police and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, discussions are held with other school districts to assess conditions in their areas.

The Transportation Supervisor makes recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools who then makes the final decision. The decision to delay or close school is always made with the entire district in mind. The safety of our children is the primary consideration.

If possible, the initial decision is made by 5:30 am. The decision is communicated in several ways. Area radio and tv stations are notified. In addition, the decision is posted on the district website and the district notifies parents via its emergency calling system.

In some cases, the weather service may indicate a storm is expected to stop or road conditions improve later in the morning and the District may choose a delayed opening rather than immediate closing. If conditions don't improve, a further delay or closing may become necessary and that message is immediately communicated to parents and guardians.

Closings and Delays 
Winter weather or unexpected emergencies can create situations during the year requiring early dismissal and/or the closing of school. Weather conditions are the most obvious of situations. When poor weather threatens, you should tune into one of the many radio stations that carry closing and dismissal announcements. Please do not call the Transportation Department or radio stations directly. It is important that the phone lines remain open to provide efficient communications.

When a delayed opening or a school closing becomes necessary, the District begins a notification process that includes a number of avenues. For parents and guardians, the primary method of notification is the area radio stations. The stations are notified as soon as decisions are made and then make the announcements promptly.

Listen to these following stations for information:
WLNA-AM (1420), WHUD-FM (100.7), WVIP-AM (1310),
WVIP-FM (106.3), WFAS-AM (1230), WBNR-AM(1260) WPUT (1510)

Other avenues of notification are News Channel 12 television channel and the Lakeland Central School District Website.

Delayed Opening Procedures 
ONE-HOUR DELAY-High school students arrive at 8:30 am, and students arrive at the middle school at 10:10 am.

During delayed openings, bus schedules are delayed as follows; elementary school grades Kindergarten-5 arrive at 9:30 am.

TWO-HOUR DELAY-High schools, 9:30 am; middle school, 11:10 am; grades Kindergarten-5, 10:30 am.

THREE-HOUR DELAY-High schools, 10:30 am; 10:40 am; middle school, 12:10 p.m.; grades 1-5, 11:30 am. 

Emergencies
Emergency situations (problems dealing with heating, electricity, or water failure) are impossible to predict. The staff does everything possible to notify you in advance to avoid students being left unsupervised or locked out of their homes.

It is important that you establish with your child the procedures you would like followed if he or she comes home and finds no one there. Your child should know in advance about telephoning you, using a hidden key, or staying with an approved friend or neighbor.

Check with your individual school to determine the specific procedures (phone chains, etc.) used to notify parents and guardians in case of an emergency. Please cooperate with your schools in providing emergency information at the beginning of each school year and whenever your information changes.