The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough

Weather-Related School Closures and Delays: Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most challenging responsibilities of the Superintendent of Schools is deciding whether to delay or cancel school due to inclement weather. New England weather can be highly unpredictable and may shift significantly within hours of a forecast. While our priority is always to keep school in session, the safety of our students and staff is our highest concern.

We make every effort to announce a decision with as much notice as possible, typically by 5:30 AM. However, due to changing weather conditions, there may be occasions when the decision is made closer to the start of the school day.

Like weather forecasting itself, this process is not an exact science. The information below is intended to help families better understand how these decisions are made and what to expect when weather affects the school schedule.

Who decides whether or not to close school?

The Superintendent of Schools makes the final decision in consultation with:

• - Assistant Superintendent of Operations
• - Northborough and Southborough Departments of Public Works (DPWs)
• - Northborough and Southborough Police Departments

The goal is to announce the decision by 5:30 AM. In rare cases, decisions may be made later due to unforeseen or rapidly changing conditions.

What information is used to make the decision?

The following factors are considered:

• - Current road conditions and neighborhood accessibility
• - Weather forecasts and storm timing
• - Snow and ice accumulation
• - School building conditions (e.g., electricity, heat, water)
• - Parking lot and walkway conditions
• - Wind chill and air temperature
• - Estimated timing for snow and ice removal by local DPWs

How is this information gathered?

District staff monitor state and local weather forecasts closely. In addition, DPWs and police officials in both towns provide updates on road and neighborhood conditions.

What are parents’ responsibilities?

We recognize that parents are best positioned to judge local conditions. If school remains open but conditions are questionable in your area, you may choose to keep your child home.

For student drivers, we ask families to review winter driving safety and encourage:

• - Leaving extra travel time
• - Reducing speed
• - Prioritizing safety over punctuality

How are snow days made up?

In accordance with Massachusetts regulations:

• - Schools must be in session for at least 180 days
• - The school year must end no later than June 30

Any missed days due to weather will be made up at the end of the school year.

How do power outages affect the decision?

When inclement weather causes outages, the decision to open or close schools depends on:

• - Whether all school buildings have functioning power
• - The anticipated timeline for power restoration
• - The extent of outages in surrounding neighborhoods

If buildings are operational, we will aim to open school, but widespread outages may necessitate a closure or delay.

What is a delayed opening?

A delayed opening allows more time for roads and walkways to be cleared without canceling the school day.

• - The school day will start 1 hour, 90 minutes, or 2 hours later than usual
• - Bus pickups are delayed by the same amount (e.g., an 8:35 AM pickup becomes 9:35 AM with a one-hour delay)
• - Lunch will still be served
• - Dismissal times remain unchanged

How will families be notified?

Notifications will be sent via:

• - District website: www.nsboro.k12.ma.us
• - ParentSquare (email and phone alerts)
• - Local TV stations:
•   - WBZ (Channel 4)
•   - WCVB (Channel 5)
•   - WHDH (Channel 7)
•   - WFXT (Channel 25)
•   - NECN/NBC10 Boston