Schools Closed Wednesday – 1/19/2011
Posted by Bob on January 19, 2011 under Daily Blogs | 
3 Comments to Read
Naugatuck Schools are closed on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. There was an initial report of a two (2) hour delay, but a decision was later reached to cancel schools as a result of unsafe traffic conditions in numerous areas.
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Maureen said,
Why is Naugatuck the only town in CT closed today. Why is Naugatuck having such problems with road conditions? Would you consider this a budget problem or a management issue? When surrounding towns are not having the same problems it causes concern.
donna taylor said,
I would have to agree with Maureen that the issue of school closure today is a concern. While the safety of children should be the deciding factor as to whether or not school is in session, I question the accountability of those in charge. Why weren’t we prepared to deal with this unpredictable weather? If roads were icing at 6AM and the H.S. start was not until 9:30, there was a least a 2 hour window of time to get the roads sanded. (before the bus runs) It seems as though if ever other town in the state were able to get their kids back to school, this town should have been able to do the same thing.
Bob said,
Ms. Taylor, I am in charge of operations for municipal departments, so I take responsibility. The amount of traffic incidents and the condition of the roads prevented not only the buses from preparing for the first (1st) run, but also from Public Works vehicles from sanding the most dangerous areas. While the high school would have started around 9:30 AM, preparations are required well in advance.
I can not speak for the decisions of other school districts, but there were concerns for safety in Naugatuck at the time that the precipitation began to freeze between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Our regular crews begin work at 7:00 AM. At 5:00 AM, reports were that driving conditions were acceptable to have school, particularly with a two (2) hour delay. By 7:00 AM, conditions had changed.
We need to have better plans to respond to such situations quickly. When faced with a situation like we had this morning, however, I support the school district’s decision to close.
Thank you for your comments.
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