(Anita) CAM School Superintendent Dr. Pam Stangeland in a letter to the CAM families reported on social media that at approximately 6:40 a.m., a school bus overcorrected a steering error and went off the road near Anita on 740th Street. Stangeland stated dense fog was a contributing factor. There were no students on board, no other vehicles were involved, and the bus was safely pulled back onto the road and was operating normally.
Dr. Stangeland explained that she began assessing conditions on the road at 4:00 a.m. and because fog has been common in recent weeks and often clears between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m., decisions about delays or cancellations must be made by around 5:30 a.m. to give families time to plan. She also consulted with area superintendents; only one of seven districts chose to delay.
Dr. Stangeland says by 5:45 a.m., fog had not improved, but by 6:15 a.m. it had begun clearing in some areas. She added weather varies significantly across the district, so while conditions may differ, student and staff safety is the top priority. Stangeland says bus drivers are instructed to use extra caution and adjust speed during questionable conditions. Families may keep children home if they believe travel is unsafe.
Dr. Stangeland said Thursday morning’s decision was made using the best data available at the time. Families may contact the superintendent directly with questions about weather-related procedures.
