The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) is the third largest school district in the state of Indiana. With over 22,000 students and a vast network of staff, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone is the top priority. Weather events, from snowstorms and floods to severe storms, can have a profound impact on transportation, school operations, outdoor activities, and most importantly, student safety.
The decision-making process on whether schools should remain open, delay start times, or even close early is often dictated by the weather. If the weather is expected to be hazardous, the EVSC team must react quickly and effectively.
“Lack of preparation can lead to safety risks, operational disruptions, and communication challenges for student families and staff,” Chief of Staff, Richard Cameron, noted.
One of the most critical tools the EVSC relies on is Clarity by BAM Weather, which provides real-time radar, detailed forecast insights, and alert systems. These tools give decision-makers at EVSC crucial data that helps them assess the situation and make informed choices. Another valuable tool that the school has found to be beneficial is the 24/7 chat feature.
“The chat function and almost immediate responses have been very reliable,” Cameron said.
Clarity has had a profound impact on the way EVSC manages weather-related decisions. With these tools, the district has greatly improved their impactful weather plans.
“[Clarity] has improved situational awareness, enhanced preparation, and increased confidence in making timely decisions,” Cameron stated.
When severe weather strikes, staff members no longer have to guess or rely on less precise sources of information. Instead, they can make decisions with confidence, knowing they have the most accurate and up-to-date weather data available.
At the end of the day, the biggest benefit of using Clarity for EVSC is the peace of mind that comes with having reliable, actionable weather insights. The safety of students and staff remains the highest priority, and these tools ensure that decisions are based on the best possible data, helping the district maintain smooth operations even in the face of challenging weather conditions.