From the Desk of Dr. Merlyn Johnson, Cassville R-IV Superintendent
From a weather perspective, we have experienced an unpredictable past few weeks. The uncertainty of many of the recent weather forecasts has caused school districts throughout Southwest Missouri to make capricious decisions when canceling school. Although we have been fortunate in only missing three days so far this school year, I understand any cancellation day is an inconvenience. I am hopeful this week’s wintry weather forecast bypasses us and this winter will come to an end very soon. If we end up missing a few more days, we could take solace in knowing that these canceled days may be used to spend more quality time with family and as a break from thinking about other life stresses. Please know that we take the responsibility of making these decisions very seriously by considering the various situations of our students and the various modes by which they travel to and from school: student drivers, bus riders, car riders, and walkers.
One of the axioms of making weather decisions is that not everyone will agree no matter whether that decision is made the night before, the morning of, or during the day requiring an unscripted early release. I will own that upfront, and ask for your patience and grace. We will strive to make the safest, most prudent weather-related decisions based on the present realities and information before us. The transportation team and I rely on the National Weather Service, their forecasts, and information from our public works partners in Barry County. With 275 square miles of varied terrain and road conditions, we have to take the entirety of the school district into consideration when making inclement weather decisions.
Thank you for your understanding throughout all of these weather related challenges. Better days are ahead. We just have to get through our current days first. And we will. Once the winter season is officially in our rearview mirror, the District will provide a calendar update for our last day of school in May. Thank you for entrusting your children to the Cassville R-IV School District.