Weeks says he gathers info from variety of sources before deciding to close schools

Dickson County Director of Schools Dr. Danny Weeks says he will gather input from local officials and surrounding school systems as well as following the latest weather information in making a decision on closing schools due to hazardous conditions. On Tuesday’s Power Lunch, Weeks said he gets information from local law enforcement, emergency management personnel, Maintenance and Transportation Director Gary Kimmons and the school system’s bus drivers in assessing road conditions, and also talks to directors in other school systems surrounding Dickson County. But sometimes he has to make decisions based on what is projected to happen. Weeks said he tries to make decisions based on the likelihood of weather conditions becoming dangerous in a two-hour window before and after the school day, allowing enough time for buses to safely transport children, but also being conscious of the number of inexperienced teens who drive to and from school each day. Whenever possible, he wants to make a decision on closing schools the evening before, but if conditions worsen overnight he will always try to make a decision by 6 am at the latest. When it comes to deciding to dismiss schools, Weeks said he looks ahead to 5 pm for factors that could affect transporting children home. Weeks urged parents to make sure their accurate contact number is registered at their children’s schools so they can receive text and voice messages from the School Reach program implemented countywide this year. In addition to the message system, school closing announcements are made through WDKN, Nashville television stations and the school system’s website: dicksoncountyschools.org.