School Closure Guidelines
Prioritizing Student Safety in Every Season
At Idaho Falls School District 91, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities. Eastern Idaho's winters are known for their harsh and unpredictable weather, with temperatures frequently plummeting well below zero and wind chills sometimes reaching a bone-chilling -20°F or lower. These extreme conditions not only pose a risk to health and safety but also create challenges for transportation and school operations.
When these situations arise, we are committed to making timely and informed decisions to ensure that every child remains safe. Our goal is to minimize disruptions to education while always prioritizing the physical safety and comfort of students and staff. We deeply appreciate the partnership of parents and guardians in navigating these challenges together, always striving to provide the best care and communication possible during uncertain conditions.
How We Announce Closures
We ensure timely communication about closures through multiple channels:
Stay Updated Through:
Text Messages:
Ensure your contact information is current in PowerSchool.
Local Media:
Watch for announcements on East Idaho News, Channel 3, Channel 6, Channel 8, and local radio stations.
D91Proud Facebook Page:
Get real-time updates.
District Website:
Visit ifschools.org for alerts.
Closure Hotline:
Call (208) 525-7502.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents have the ultimate decision on whether to send their children to school during inclement weather. If you feel the weather conditions are unsafe:
Keep your child at home.
Send a parental note to excuse their absence, which will be recorded as a verified absence.
The decision to close schools is made by the Superintendent by 6:30 a.m., using the best available information. Factors considered include:
Current early morning temperatures
Forecasted highs for the day
Wind chill
Road conditions
Closure Guidelines
Early Release or Closures for Severe Weather
Closures are determined based on:
Air temperature and wind chill:
Cold weather closures occur when temperatures drop to unsafe levels.
Road conditions:
When urban streets are safe but rural roads are hazardous, closures may be limited to rural bus routes.
In the Event of Early Release:
Elementary Students:
Released only after parent/guardian contact.
Confirmed arrangements must be in place to ensure someone is home or the child has safe access to the house.
Secondary Students:
May return home via bus or personal transportation without a parent/guardian being home, as long as they have access to their house.
All Other Students:
Will remain at school until the end of the day or until picked up by a parent.
Closures for Mechanical Failures
Specific mechanical issues such as heating system malfunctions, bus breakdowns, or power outages may lead to closures for the affected school(s) only.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Know Your Bus Zone
Familiarize yourself with your bus route and zone to understand how closures or delays may impact your family.
Update Your Contact Information
Ensure your phone number and email address are up-to-date in PowerSchool to receive timely notifications.
Dress for the Weather
Encourage your children to wear proper winter attire,including hats, gloves, boots, and coats.
Have a Plan
Make arrangements with neighbors, family, or friends in case of early release or closures.