Weather Delay and Cancellation Procedure

Posted January 8, 2026

When bad weather or other unexpected events make it unsafe for students and staff to come to our school buildings, DPS will have a delayed start or cancel school for the day. The superintendent will make a decision based on information provided by the DPS Transportation team, local transportation agencies and the weather bureau. You’ll find more details about what to expect below.

If DPS schools remain open during severe weather:

  • The district will monitor the weather throughout the day to ensure student safety.
  • Buses will still be able to transport students, but there may be delays or other changes to service to make sure students and bus drivers are safe.
  • Traffic conditions may require students to spend additional time en route to school, special activities, programs or at home.
  • If severe weather begins during the school day, DPS may decide to call an early dismissal.
  • Bus routes will run in the same order as normally followed in the afternoon. Please be patient, as arrival times may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
  • After-school activities (athletic events, enrichment programs, etc.) may be modified or canceled as a result of the weather conditions.

If DPS calls a Weather Delay:

The purpose of the Weather Delay Procedure is to provide school buses additional time to pick up students and reduce student wait time in severe weather.

  • Morning school buses will run on a delayed schedule and begin pick-ups at bus stops two hours later than the normal pick-up time. (Example: If you normally leave home at 7:45 a.m. for school, you would now depart at 9:45 a.m. to arrive at school on time.)
  • Students walking, biking, carpooling or taking RTD are encouraged to leave home two hours later than they would normally leave for school. (Example: If students leave home at 7:45 a.m. for school, they would now depart at 9:45 a.m. to arrive to school on time)
  • ECE: Morning (AM) ECE will be canceled. Afternoon (PM) ECE students will attend school and have bus service on their normal schedule.
  • Breakfast will still be served to students as they arrive at school.
  • Afternoon school buses will run on a normal schedule

If DPS schools are closed due to severe weather:

  • Transportation will not run any buses.
  • All after-school activities, including middle and high school sports, are canceled and transportation will not be provided for these activities.
  • Please make the necessary plans for the care of your student in the event that school is canceled.