ROY, Utah — A widespread outage affecting data networks, telecommunications, and internet services forced the closure of several Weber School District schools on Wednesday.
The district suffered significant fiber optic damage in Roy late Tuesday evening, which led to the outage. Telecommunications, internet access, and school security systems were not operational, leading officials to cancel the day at the following schools:
- Roy High
- Sandridge Jr. High
- Roy Jr. High
- Freedom Elementary
- Roy Elementary
- Hooper Elementary
- Municipal Elementary
According to the district, an on-site contractor mistakenly bored through multiple communication conduits and disrupted several data circuits.
Technology has advanced over the years and now it’s integrated into the school system. That tech is not just related to classroom instruction, but school security as well.
“A lot of our systems rely on connectability and whenever there’s a disruption in that service it can create some real issues as far as communication, and also safety,” explained Lane Findlay with the district.
Findlay added that electronic access control in school buildings, phone lines, and PA systems all rely on network connection.
“We can adapt and adjust, but there’s just certain things that we need to have in place to be able to safely operate a school," he said, "and without those systems it makes it very challenging. We certainly don’t want to put anyone at risk in that situation.”
The loud rush of students after school lets out was instead filled with silence Wednesday, and clogged traffic lanes were replaced with empty parking lots. However, the local park had more noise than usual.
“The initial reaction was I got up and told these girls, well sleep in. You don’t have to go to school today!” exclaimed parent Michelle Strong.
For Strong and her two girls, Paige and Kenzie, the outage allowed them to take advantage of the early sunshine at a time they’d usually be in the classroom.
“Stayed in our PJs for a few hours," Strong said, "then decided, why don’t we go out and get some fresh air?”
Although parents may have had to plan out a new day, and Paige Strong had to miss a choir concert, most said the day off was all for the better.
“I think it’s understandable because for security reasons to be able to keep the kids safe, if it isn't working," Paige Strong added. "And everything that we use is based off internet and electronics, so if they’re not able to function at school and do the things they need to do, it works to cancel.”
The district is hopeful to see all students back in the classroom bright and early Thursday morning.
