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A Message from the Superintendent on Today’s Weather Emergency
February 26, 2010
As Superintendent of Schools, I want to assure parents and the community that I place the safety and security of the students in North Andover first. When I need to make decisions about closing or opening schools in weather emergencies, I consult with the Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the First Student Bus Company Dispatcher, Precision Weather Forecasting, our Plant Operations Manager, the Fire Department [if necessary], the Principals, other Superintendents, and, when possible, companies such as National Grid that have responsibilities for services that affect the School Department.
Today was an example of such a day where a decision had to be made about the opening or closing of schools.
I learned around 5:00 a.m. from the North Andover Police Department that although there were some sections of streets closed in North Andover and although there were power outages, busses would be able to get through to residences and schools. I also learned from the police and from our Plant Operations Manager, who was on site at Kittredge, that Kittredge Elementary School had no power. The police also informed me that there were no other school issues except the Kittredge power loss. All other schools had power and were easily accessible. This was confirmed by our Plant Operations Manager.
To plan for the possibility that we might need to re-locate the students to their designated evacuation school, which is the Middle School, across the street from Kittredge, Principal Cushing called the Middle School Principal, Joan McQuade. I also contacted Assistant Principals Dave Fabrizio and Cheryl Raimondo to prepare the building for the possible arrival of the students from Kittredge. Mr. Fabrizio planned a room use schedule for the 11 Kittredge classes and their teachers, so the middle school would be ready for the arrival and accommodation of any classes that might need to be moved. The cafeteria was also alerted.
The Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Hutchinson, and I were with Principal Cushing at the Kittredge School in the early morning, and we toured the building. High School Facilities Manager Gregg Roberts came over from the high school around 7:00 a.m. to help the Kittredge custodian, and got the lights working in the building. The temperature in the rooms was in the range 62-65, with the second floor a little cooler than the first. We also knew that the rooms would become even warmer with the arrival of the 290 students. The before-school music instrumental class was practicing without any discomfort in the gym. The gas ovens were working in the cafeteria so lunch could be served.
We determined that Kittredge would go ahead with school and would move to the Middle School later in the day if necessary.
The rooms actually turned out to be warmer than expected—they were still in the 63-68 range at 12:30 p.m.—one teacher had even opened a window in her room due to warmth. Everyone reported being comfortable. The cafeteria staff was doing a great job with pizzas cooking in the gas ovens.
I contacted the police at several points during the morning. They were extremely helpful, and said they would help with facilitating the walking of the Kittredge students to the Middle School, if necessary.
Cheryl Gard, First Student Bus Dispatcher, and Pam Zengilowski, Transportation Coordinator, worked on the bus routes. All busses arrived at buildings on time, except for one at Franklin that arrived five minutes late. Also, elementary student absences have been reported to be normal today. There were, however, a higher number of tardy students, due to power outages at residences. These students have not been marked late.
I also want the community to know that it is my practice, when there are power outages, to keep schools open, if the schools have power, heat, light, enough staff, and the ability to serve food. The reason for this is that I have found it is much better to have students safe and warm and together than in individual houses without heat or light. Parents have usually agreed with me in this approach.
Christopher Hottel
Superintendent of Schools
North Andover MA
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