When the threat of inclement weather arises and compromises student safety, Superintendent Mr. James E. McDaniel is the man with the plan.

With student and staff safety at the center of the matter, Mr. McDaniel bases his decision only on the best data available.

The check list of begins with assessing the predictions provided by multiple news stations, considering feedback from surrounding school districts, and personally conducting consultations with forecasters at the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, local Sheriff and EMS Departments, and with Mr. Bobby Lovelace.

“The final decision rests with the Superintendent; however, I place a great deal of confidence in the opinions of Bobby Lovelace, Director of Transportation,” said Mr. McDaniel.

To help in making sure the absolute best decision is being made, Mr. McDaniel himself rides the roads on the morning of the predicted weather to gain a full understanding of the situation at hand.

The sheer size of the county poses a difficulty in coming to a blanket decision that works for all areas.

“The County is approximately 1000 square miles. It is the size of the State of Rhode Island. There is a great deal of area to cover and conditions in one sector of the County may be entirely different than those in another sector,” said Mr. McDaniel.

To help reduce the amount of complications cancelations and delays can cause with parents’ work responsibilities, Mr. McDaniel and his team does their best to publish the decision they reach at the earliest time possible. This early notification allows a parent or guardian to have time to make arrangements for childcare.

Whether the decision is to close schools, or to operate at regular time, the decision reached by Mr. McDaniel through strategic assessment can be trusted as the best, and safest, course of action for everyone involved.