School Board Meeting Agenda

Grangeville Elementary/Middle; Grangeville High; White Bird schools will resume their regular schedule today, Friday, February 8, 2008.  While winds continue to blow, the snow movement has greatly reduced and visability improved.  Most roads are now open or will be opened by the time of bus runs.

A special thanks to the road districts who have worked very hard to accomodate the needs of our outlying patrons.  The long hours and efforts are appreciated.  I would remind you that a large portion of funding for their efforts have been supported by the “forest funds” or Craig/Wyden as you may know them.  Those funds are no longer available at the federal level.  However, there is some discussion at the Idaho State Legislature to consider some support for these needs along with the counties who are in federally impacted areas.  Contact with your legislators would help them understand the needs of our area.

Same song, sixth verse, Grangeville and White Bird schools are closed, as the conditions are worse.  High winds and blizzard conditions prevail this morning as Highway 95 to White Bird and Cottonwood remain closed.  Highway 13 was open earlier this morning with continued effort by the Idaho Highway Department.  Visability is currently near zero.  Once the weather conditions improve, it is approximately 4 to 6 hours before the snow plows can open the main side roads for travel. 

Many questions and rumors are being passed regarding the make up days of school following our closures.  At this time, no decisions have been made regarding school make up days and will not be addressed until the February 19th board meeting. 

 A decision to continue or reschedule activities which are planned for today will be made later in the day by building principals responsible for the activities.  The Grangeville Boys Basketball game with Orofino is contingent upon Orofino’s ability to have school today and our weather conditions closer to the time of the event.  Updates will be shared with KORT.

We continue to make the safety of our students, staff and community a priority as we consider the school closure needs. 

High winds and drifitng snow have caused closure of highway 95 both north and south of Grangeville.  The highway is not expected to be opened until late morning.  The outlying roads have been severely plugged with the snow and are not expected to be opened to limited travel until late morning.  More snow and continued wind is anticipated adding to the safety concerns today.  Grangeville Elementary/Middle; Grangeville High School; and White Bird School will be closed today Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

Continued winds and drifting snow are making it impossible to keep our secondary roads open to run busses.  With winds predicted to increase through out the day, schools will remain closed at Grangeville Elementary/Middle, Grangeville High, and White Bird Elementary Schools. 

 Again, a special thanks to the highway district employees and their efforts to clear snow.  As we make our decisions regarding school closure, we are able to get up to date reports on the road conditions. 

Events that are scheduled through the week ends have not been cancelled at this time, but a decision regarding travel and student safety will be made a few hours prior to the events.  Building principals, whose staff and students are involved in  the events will make the decisons at the appropriate time and notify KORT to assist in the communication. 

High winds and drifting snow again close schools in the Grangeville and White Bird communities on Thursday, January 31, 2008.  Early morning winds are causing white out conditions and difficulty for the highway districts as they attempt to keep some of the main roads open.  While excessive additional snow is not projected, continued winds through out the day with gusts up to 55 mph are anticipated in the weather storm advisory. 

Schools are open and will start on time today in Grangeville and White Bird Schools.  A special thanks to the highway districts for their efforts to open and maintain our roads. Without these efforts we would still be facing some difficulties.  Please recognize much of thier funding comes from the Secure Schools and Counties federal funds to operate the roads along with funds for schools as well.  You may know these funds as Craig/Wyden or forest funds, which are not authorized for next year. A call to your congressman or state legislator would assist in helping them keep a focus on our needs.  Please be safe today and dress warmly. 

 Have a good day.   

Continued winds and drifting are causing schools to be closed in Grangeville and White Bird today ( Tuesday, January 29th).  Activities for junior high and high school are also canceled today.  Activity practices are not scheduled and/or mandatory for students to attend.