Principal and Superintendent Roberto Vaca says that for the first time in his five years at Monson-Sultana School in Tulare County, the early-morning fog was dense enough for a Plan B.
"Which is a two-hour delay. We started with a Plan A, a one-hour delay, and then about an hour into it, he recommended that we go to a Plan B," said Vaca.
That recommendation is from the Transportation Director, who Vaca says has to be up before most people.
"He lives nearby," Vaca said. "He scopes things out, and then I'm his first call."
Vaca says Avenue 416 near the school can be dangerous, especially on foggy mornings, and urges drivers to be cautious.
"When you are near a school, not only is it the law to slow down, but there is no reason to speed up," he said.
His priority is the safety of all 440 students, their parents and staff.
Like Vaca, several other school leaders made decisions on Wednesday morning to protect their students and staff.
At least two schools closed, and over 20 delayed their start time by one or two hours.
"It really helps not only the kids out but the community, really, because it kind of just slows everyone down," said CHP Officer Mike Salas.
Officer Salas appreciates that every school district has a policy in place to save lives, but reminds all drivers to respect buses, foggy or not.
"If you see a school bus parked, expect children to be there and don't try to pass. Whether the blinking lights are on or not, give it time," said Salas.
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