The Wayland Union School District had 14 “snow days” during the winter of 2018-19 and it is more than possible an extra five days will be added to the school calendar.
Superintendent Norman Taylor today sent a letter to district parents noting the last day of school this year was supposed to be June 7, but the way things are going, its appears that will be extended to June 14.
The wild car at present is that the State Legislature is on spring break, so there is no decision making on local districts’ requests for snow day forgiveness.
In Taylor’s letter, he noted:
“The Michigan Public Act 94 of 1979 as amended, stipulates school districts must schedule a minimum of 180 days and 1,098 hours of instruction each school year to avoid a state aid financial penalty. Wayland Union Schools does schedule 180 days with 1100-1134 hours of instruction, depending on individual school schedules, in our annual schedule.
“Public Act 94 also states school districts may be excused from making up the equivalent of six “snow days.” The MI Department of Education State Superintendent also has the authority to grant an additional waiver of up to three days for excessive inclement weather days. Our district applied for the waiver on Feb. 19 and it has been approved, thereby waiving a total of nine days of school.
“Though several bills are currently in the legislature to address excessive snow days this year and the Governor’s declared State of Emergency back in January, the State Legislature is currently on their spring recess, so it will likely be later in April before we may know anything new.
“As originally scheduled, our 2018-2019 school year was to end on Friday, June 7, with the typical half day of school. As of today, we have missed 14 days of school with nine excused, leaving us five days to make up at this time, pending any legislative relief. Any days needed to be made up will be added to the end of the school year.
“Therefore, we would look to add days the week of June 10 – again depending on potential legislative action – we may be required to go to school until Friday, June 14. Reducing days from spring break is not an option with many travel plans already in place for that week. We will keep you updated on any changes once confirmed. Please stay tuned!”
