NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Monday’s delayed school opening drill was mostly successful with a few hiccups that will be worked out, said Director of Transportation William Miller. The delayed opening was a test of procedures to determine if the District could efficiently transport students when the high school and middle schools need to open two hours later and the elementary schools open three hours later.
A few delayed opening Bee Line buses ran later as some drivers were not as familiar with the specific areas, causing some secondary students to be late to classes. There were also minor operational communications issues. Overall, though, the test was a success and these minor issues will be fine-tuned to ensure a successful delayed opening, Miller said.
“Now, the District has another tool in the event of inclement weather and other situations,” Miller said. “When a snowstorm strikes during the evening and we project a clear morning, all we need is a short delay to handle cleanup. Because this test was successful, we now have the ability to start school a little later than normal with a delayed opening.”
Opening times were staggered to allow the District to use the same yellow buses to make runs first to the high school and middle schools and later to the elementary schools. The high school and middle schools opened first because they are generally located closer to major roads, which are cleared more quickly in inclement weather.
“Overall, the delayed opening drill went according to plan,” Miller said. “Communication seemed to be effective between the district and parents regarding the drill.”