In past years, the Saratoga Union School District has had emergency closing of schools due to unsafe conditions. We want to remind you of our procedure for the Emergency Closing of Schools. 

Every effort will be made to keep schools open. The following criteria will be used in determining if a site should be closed:

1. There is a safety issue (i.e., no alarm system, power lines down, flooding).
2. The school is not operational; conditions exist which are not conducive to learning(i.e., lack of heat, lights or water). If possible school will be held for at least a minimum day schedule.
3. Staff and/or students cannot get to school sites.
4. The school is needed for an emergency center by the City or Red Cross.

 We will always make the best decision possible with the information available. As soon as we know there is a problem, we begin an analysis of the situation with the District Maintenance Director, Principals, School Board, other Districts in the area, City and County emergency groups, P.G.&E. or appropriate service vendors to determine severity of problems, advisories, estimated time of repair or changing conditions. This analysis begins as early as possible, sometimes during the night. We target our decisions for 6:45 - 7:15 a.m. using the best data available at that time. Our decision is based on the safety of students. After we decide to hold school half-day or close school, we alert you through radio messages, telephone trees, and signs at the school. Please listen for current information on:

• KGO RADIO 810 AM
• KCBS RADIO 740 AM
• KTVU-TV CHANNEL 2
• KRON-TV CHANNEL 4
• KNTV-TV CHANNEL 11

 Each school has developed a telephone alert system if phones are operational. For your information, if the county declares a state of emergency, our schools receive full funding for a closed day of school. If the emergency is local, or at one site only, we receive funding if school is in session half-day.

Emergency / Disaster Preparedness Planning Guide

If you would like to help at your child's school, please contact your Principal. The district appreciates constructive evaluation of our decisions and procedures. If you have any questions or comments, please call your Principal or Lane Weiss, Superintendent, at (408) 867-3424, ext. 502.