School & Centre Closures

Keep in mind that the only thing that can never be predicted with 100% accuracy is the weather. This means that the decision to close schools cannot be made several hours before a storm hits our area, for the simple reason that past experience has clearly shown that weather forecasts are often inaccurate, particularly regarding snowfall amounts and icy conditions. The decision to close or keep schools open must always be made as late as possible to allow for school bus transportation.

This decision is made once consultations with school transportation providers, designated key drivers, transportation managers, senior executives, and other school boards in our territory have been completed.

A rigorous process begins at 5 a.m. with the ETSB’s key drivers and reports from our transportation providers. By 5:45 a.m., consultations with school boards within the ETSB’s territory—in the Estrie, Montérégie, and Central Quebec regions—are underway, with the final decision made after considering numerous factors. The ETSB continuously monitors weather reports to be ready to implement this process as soon as necessary.

Given the size of the territory covered by the ETSB, the decision is never an easy one to make. Weather conditions can vary considerably from one part of the territory to another. The decision is made taking these variations into account, but if a parent feels that conditions in their area are less favorable, they may decide not to send their child to school. Ultimately, the decision rests with the parent, and the school board respects that choice.

The deadline for closing the system is 6:15 AM.

After that time, the buses have already begun picking up students to take them to school. Once the routes have started, students will no longer be picked up or dropped off at their homes.

The School Board, in consultation with the teachers’ union, has set aside three days in the school calendar to address such a contingency. The School Board does not hesitate to use these days; however, if it were to exercise this option every time a storm is forecast, these days could quickly be used up. The Ministry of Education has established a clear rule that cannot be changed: the minimum number of school days for students is 180. That is why the administrative decision to close the school system must be made with caution and only after fully assessing all possible consequences. The safety and security of students will always be the school board’s top priority, and, ultimately, this factor will be the deciding one.

The school calendar is approved by the Board of Commissioners for the upcoming school year. Information will be posted on the ETSB’s website and Facebook page—and then shared by the media—only in the event of class cancellations.

Parents will also receive a notification via Cobalt informing them of the status of the schools: open or closed.

When schools are closed, daycares are not operating and are therefore also closed.