The Howard County Public School System built five inclement weather days into its calendar this year. As of Feb. 12, the school system has called off school six times. Officials said they are still working on a plan to reach the state’s required 180 school days.

The last day of school was originally scheduled for June 11, but with three closures due to a snowstorm in early January, a closure on Jan. 21 and another on Feb. 5, the last day shifted to June 18.

The most recent closure on Feb. 12, as about 3 to 5 inches of snow blanketed the region, marked the sixth inclement weather day for the district.

Brian Bassett, director of communication and engagement for the school system, said the district is working to decide how to make up the extra snow day and expected to have information by Feb. 20. The school system is having in-house conversations and talking with the Maryland State Department of Education to “best assess” the options on the table before reaching a decision, Bassett said.

In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law allowing school districts to authorize virtual learning days during inclement weather closures only if the district had used all of its allotted makeup days. However, because not all elementary school students have school-issued devices in Howard County, the district doesn’t have a virtual learning plan approved by the state education department, Bassett has said.

During the Feb. 13 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Bill Barnes said that the school system is working to finalize a plan to make up the sixth closure and address any more potential closures.

Barnes said he’s often asked why the school system doesn’t use virtual learning days and ensured families and the Board of Education that officials “continue to revisit” virtual learning when considering options to limit the consequences of extra snow days.

The district’s calendar combined with the “unusually snowy and icy” winter has been what Barnes called “extremely unlucky.” Barnes acknowledged that closures create challenges as some parents scramble to find last-minute childcare plans or teachers and staff shift to reschedule lessons and events. He also thanked the grounds crew and custodial staff for their work to prepare school buildings to reopen.

“And it’s not lost on me, everything that occurs after a decision is made to close schools, open late or delay,” Barnes said. “I commend all students, staff and families, and I thank you for your flexibility as you adjust when weather prevents a normal school day.”

The district tries to make up extra snow days in the school calendar if the closures occur early enough in the year that there are opportunities to do so, Bassett has said. Otherwise, the school system and MSDE will develop a plan to meet the state requirements or ask for waivers.

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