DURHAM

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. In the event of severe or hazardous weather, Durham Public Schools (DPS) may need to close schools, delay opening, or dismiss early. We encourage families and staff to stay connected to official DPS communication channels for the most accurate and timely updates.

How We Make Weather Decisions

Our decisions are guided by the following:

• National Weather Service updates and local emergency management alerts

• On-the-ground assessments of road conditions, parking lots, sidewalks, and bus routes across Durham County by DPS operations and transportation staff

• Consultation with law enforcement and public safety officials

It’s important to remember that Durham Public Schools serves students and staff across the entire county. We carefully weigh student and staff safety, transportation logistics, and facility readiness before making any decision.

Many families, staff, and student drivers travel significant distances each day to get to school or work. With their safety in mind, if road conditions in any part of Durham County are unsafe, we must consider the entire county unsafe, which may result in a delay or closure for all schools.

Unfortunately, predicting the impact of weather is never certain, but DPS is committed to making the best possible choices while prioritizing safety and instructional time.

How We Communicate Closures and Delays

When a decision is made, families and staff will be notified as soon as possible. Durham Public Schools aims to make inclement weather decisions the evening before to give families and staff time to plan. However, because weather conditions in our region can be unpredictable, final decisions are sometimes not possible until the early morning hours on the day of the anticipated impact. Should decisions be made in the early morning hours, families will be notified no later than 5:15 a.m.

Official Notification Channels:

• DPS Website – DPSNC.net

• My DPS App – Download in the App Store or Google Play Store

• Social Media – Facebook and Instagram

• Automated Phone Calls and Text Messages in English and Spanish

• DPS Alert - All staff communication

• Local Media Partners

Important: If you do not receive DPS phone/text/email alerts, please contact your child’s school to confirm your contact information is up to date.

Before- and After-School Programs

• If schools close or dismiss early: All after-school programs and extracurricular activities are canceled.

• If schools open late: All before-school programs will open on a delayed schedule equal to the school delay.

  • Example: A 2-hour school delay = Before-school care opens 2 hours late.

Employee Expectations

Employees are encouraged to use their best judgment in deciding whether to come to work during inclement weather events. Guidance regarding reporting times and leave options will be communicated through official DPS staff communications in accordance with Board Policy 7550. 

Make-Up Days

To meet state instructional requirements, DPS has built make-up days into the school calendar for traditional, year-round, and cooperative and innovative high schools. If changes are necessary:

• Updates will be posted on the DPS website and shared through DPS communication channels.

• Families should check the DPS academic calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will I know if school is closed or delayed?
A: DPS will communicate with families and staff as soon as a decision regarding school operations is made in the event of inclement weather. Whenever possible, Durham Public Schools works to make inclement weather decisions the evening before to give families and staff time to plan. However, because weather conditions in our region can be unpredictable, final decisions are sometimes not possible until the early morning hours on the day of the anticipated impact.

Q: How do weather decisions affect athletics or after-school events?
A: If schools are closed or dismissed early, all after-school and evening activities (including athletics) are canceled.

Q: Are buses impacted by delays?
A: Yes. A 2-hour delay means buses will arrive at stops exactly 2 hours later than usual. Families should plan accordingly and are asked to follow the Edulog Parent Portal App for real-time bus tracking.

Stay Prepared

• Make sure your contact information is up-to-date with your child’s school.

• Develop a family plan for early dismissals (who will pick up your child, supervision at home, etc.).

• Follow DPS on social media, bookmark DPSNC.net, and download the My DPS app for real-time updates.