Winter weather is approaching!

When extreme weather is expected, rest assured that Mercer Island School District personnel monitor forecasts and conditions on the roadways well ahead of the anticipated arrival of a storm. In addition, we consult with police, state patrol and other school districts that are in the storm’s path prior to taking any action.

The safety of our students and employees is our utmost concern, so the district is likely to alter schedules or close schools when travel conditions are unsafe or when school environmental systems (heating, sanitary services, etc.) are not working. Sometimes these disruptions are not convenient to parents, so please begin to think about alternate arrangements when school is closed or schedules are disrupted.

Decisions for late starts or closures are made by the Superintendent no later than 5:30 AM and posted to the Public Schools Emergency Communication System website. All area radio and television stations get their information from this site and then begin broadcasting updates typically in a district's alphabetical order. In addition, this site allows individuals to sign up for automatic email alerts. The district will also posts updates on the main district page. 

More details are available in the 2011-2012 school year Emergency School Operation Schedule.