Delaware schools won’t make up some snow days

Delaware school districts closed during the huge February snow storms will not have to make up missed school days.

Delaware’s Board of Education won’t force schools closed during the statewide state of emergency in February to make up the time missed.

Governor Jack Markell ordered the state of emergency during the snow storms of February 10, 11, and 12.  Some school districts had used up their “snow day pad”.  They asked Education Secretary Lillian Lowery if they could be forgiven from making up the days.  She recommended that to the board, and her request was approved.

The board also agreed to forgive 2 other dates in Kent and Sussex Counties.  Heavy flooding closed schools on November 13, 2009.  A February 8, 2010 snow storm forced schools in those counties to close as well.  The Indian River School District was allowed to waive the day schools were closed in September 2009 because of the funeral procession through the Georgetown area for Corporal Chad Spicer.  He had been killed in the line of duty.

Teachers are required to work 183 days a year.  That translates to 180 days of actual in classroom teaching time.  Some schools have more snow days than others.  If the agreement had not been granted those districts would be faced with cutting spring vacation time or extending the school year into the summer.