Inclement Weather and Emergency School Closings

Why would the district consider closing or delaying the school day?

The decision may be the result of inclement weather, power outages, water main breaks, and/or other emergencies that may occur within the district.

Who makes the decision to close school?

Decisions to cancel or shorten the regular school day and after-school activities shall be made by the superintendent or his designee in consultation with other District leaders. They may include consultation with local city/county personnel and neighboring school districts, as appropriate.

Inclement weather closures 

A few primary factors contribute to the decision to cancel school due to inclement weather: 

  1. Road conditions,

  2. Temperature,

  3. Visibility, and 

  4. Projections for incoming weather during the course of the day. 

As we evaluate these factors, keeping our students safe is our highest priority. The chief administrative officer and the director of transportation will consult with the superintendent to ensure that the facilities are equipped to receive students and that buses can run their designated routes. Decisions on school closings and late starts will be made as early as possible – either the night before or as soon as possible in the morning, typically by 5:30 a.m.

How will the district determine Late Starts and Early Dismissals?

Late starts and early dismissals are inherently difficult for many programs and families. We do our best to keep them to a minimum. Early dismissals will be determined as conditions dictate.

In the event of a late start, typically in the morning:

  • RPS Morning Preschool, ECFE/PAIIR classes, School Age Child Care (SACC), morning Community Education Classes, and CTECH courses will all be canceled. 

  • RPS All Day Preschool will begin at 10:45 a.m.

  • Early Childhood Screening will notify you about any cancellations or the need to reschedule for your child's appointment as the weather dictates.

  • Classes and programs that begin at noon or later will typically be held. 

  • Hawthorne Education Center and Rochester Family Literacy (RFL) will open at 9:30 a.m., and classes will begin at 10 a.m.

In the event of an early dismissal in the afternoon:

  • RPS Afternoon Preschool classes will be canceled

  • Decisions will be communicated regarding events that occur after school hours, including evenings. 

Snowplow plowing snow

SACC Inclement Weather Policy

Care on days when school is closed is at the discretion of the Rochester Public Schools Administration. If all District buildings are closed to ensure the safety of staff and families, care will not be available.

If RPS announces a school closing

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) will not be available at elementary school sites;

  • However, it may be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northrop Education Center (201 8th St. NW) for children registered in the School Age Child Care Program. Check district communication to confirm SACC is open at Northrop.

  • Be sure to send child(ren) with outdoor apparel and a lunch/beverage.

If RPS announces an early dismissal

  • There will be no afternoon SACC.

  • Parents/Caregivers or Emergency Contacts must pick up their children at school dismissal.

If RPS announces a late start to the school day

  • There will be no morning SACC.

How will staff/families be notified?

All school closing information will be communicated by the director of communications or her designee through:

  • Parent and Staff Notification System (families with students in the district are automatically enrolled in our Alerts messaging system). This will be an email, a recorded voice message, and a text message. 

    • Note that if you have unsubscribed from receiving emails from the district, you will not receive these notifications. You will have to check notifications using one of the methods listed below.

  • District and schools' websites

  • RPS App (search "Rochester Public Schools" in your app store)

  • Social Media - Like and follow us on Facebook

  • Local Media Outlets – such as KTTC, KAAL, KIMT, and KROC

Alerts Sign-Up

What is Community Education's Weather Closing Procedure?

In the event of inclement weather or emergencies, the following guidelines are observed

Community Education logo

  • If Rochester Public Schools are cancelled for the day, all Community Education classes are cancelled.

  • If school begins late, Community Education classes will not meet in the AM session. Classes that begin at noon or after will be held.

  • If school dismisses early, all Community Education classes are cancelled for the remainder of the day and evening.

  • For weather issues that threaten evening events, we will attempt to make all cancellation decisions by 3 p.m.

  • We encourage you to call our weather line at 507-328-4010 to listen for class cancellations due to inclement weather.

What about weekend events and/or facility rentals?

Weekend events and/orfacility rentals will be determined by the appropriate Community Education and athletic staff and communicated via local media outlets. Community Education's Inclement Weather Line is 507.328.4010.