Wake School Task Force Tackles Winter Weather Plan

Buses' normal routes ran well into the night on Jan. 19, when an inch of snow led to gridlock in Raleigh.

The school's newly developed emergency management task force met Friday to answer concerns from parents, many of whom did nt know where their children were for much of the afternoon and evening on Jan. 19.

So far, the city has released its suggestions, which include the idea that the school system needs to let the city and county know about early dismissal before buses roll.

City Manager's Report On Unexpected Snow On Jan. 19

Flashback:

Jan. 19 Snowfall Gridlock

The city also suggested that bus drivers need a better communication system because cell phones alone didn't work that night.

One suggestion from the city even puts global positioning software on the buses to make them easier to track. The head of the school task force says at this point, all options are on the table to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"Our charge was not to start with a set amount of money and see what we can deliver for that," said Bev White of the Wake County Schools. "Our charge was to recommend the optimum course of action."

The task force meets again on Feb. 23. At that point, they hope to prioritize their wish list. They do not expect to have any permanent recommendations for at least another month to six weeks.