Johnston County Schools, Wake County Schools Release Early Due To Weather
On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Johnston County Schools and Wake County Schools in North Carolina announced early releases due to inclement weather. The decision was made by school officials after careful consideration of the potential risks associated with hazardous road conditions and the safety of students and staff.
Safety Concerns Drive Early Release Decision
The primary factor driving the early release decision was safety. With rain and freezing temperatures forecasted for the afternoon, school officials were concerned about dangerous road conditions that could increase the risk of accidents involving students and staff.
“Our top priority is always the safety of our students and staff,” said Johnston County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy in a statement. “After consulting with local emergency management officials, we made the decision to release students early to allow them to get home before the worst of the weather hits.”
Early Release Facilitates Safe Transportation
Early release allows students to leave school before the most severe weather arrives, reducing the likelihood of encountering hazardous road conditions during their commute home. By releasing students early, school officials hope to ensure that students can get home safely and avoid potential accidents or delays.
“We understand that early release can be disruptive to families, but we believe it is the best decision for the safety of our students,” said Wake County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cathy Moore. “We encourage parents to make arrangements for their children’s transportation home and to remain vigilant about weather conditions throughout the afternoon.”
Criticism and Concerns
While the decision to release early was made with safety in mind, some parents and community members have expressed concerns about the potential impact on students’ learning and extracurricular activities.
“I understand the safety concerns, but I’m worried about my child missing out on important instruction,” said one parent. “Early release can disrupt their learning momentum and make it harder to keep up with the curriculum.”
Additionally, early release can impact extracurricular activities such as sports practices, clubs, and after-school programs. Some students may miss out on these important opportunities due to the early release.
Balancing Safety and Education
School officials are aware of the potential drawbacks of early release and strive to find a balance between safety and educational needs. They work closely with local emergency management officials to monitor weather conditions and make the best decision possible.
“We recognize that early release is not ideal, but we believe it is the most prudent course of action when faced with potentially hazardous weather,” said Dr. Bracy. “We will continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
Conclusion
The decision to release schools early due to inclement weather is a complex one, with both safety and educational considerations to weigh. School officials prioritize safety and aim to make the best decision based on the available information and forecasts.
While early release can cause some disruption to learning and extracurricular activities, it is ultimately intended to protect students and staff from potentially dangerous weather conditions. Parents and community members should stay informed about weather forecasts and be prepared to make arrangements for their children’s safe transportation home when necessary.
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Johnston County Schools, Wake County Schools Release Early Due To Weather