Each year the Transportation Department faces the perils that winter driving brings. Drivers check, review and make sure that all necessary emergency equipment is in the bus and ready to go.

When the really tough winter weather hits, the Transportation Director does a daily check of road conditions and weather reports. Winters in this area can be very unpredictable and we never know from year to year, or day to day what is in store for us.

When situations get extreme, we will continue to make decisions on bus routes and late starts by 5:30 a.m. The Transportation Director makes an assessment of road and weather conditions in the a.m. This information is then reviewed with the Superintendent of Colville School District prior to announcement of a change in routing or school times. Information is given to the local radio station that broadcasts in AM and FM and also to the Spokane news stations. Parents/Guardians are also notified through school messenger system.

When necessary, drivers may have to make the difficult decision of whether a road is passable or not. This very rarely occurs but should this be the situation the driver will contact the dispatch office and every effort will be made to contact the students who are affected. Should you wish any further information or if you have any questions, please feel free to call the Transportation Department at (509) 684-5152.

As for the decision, some definition:

A “SNOW DAY”: The district and buildings are shut down. No students or staff and doors are closed.

A “DELAY”: This pertains to students and or buses only. Doors will be open if students show up. It’s a work day for staff, however, we do not want staff to put themselves in undue jeopardy. (Drive safe!)

** Some routes have seasonal changes. Please see route information for variations due to winter weather.

Ted Watts, Transportation Director
Phone: (509) 684-5152
178 DeGrief Road
Colville, WA 99114