Will Michigain Public Schools Need to Make Up for Recent Snow Days?

Another "snow day" for most schools in West Michigan... Most students celebrate another day home from school due to weather conditions, they might be griping if they have to make it up later in the year. So, will schools in our area need to make up for Mother Nature's recent hit of snow and below freezing temperatures?

The State of Michigan requires Michigan Public Schools to meet a minimum of 1098 hours of pupil instruction each school year. Among those 1098 hours, 6 days for reasons out of the schools control due to severe storms, fires, heath conditions, and infrastructure issues, can be counted toward the required 1098 hours.

Most of our local schools have had more than 6 unforeseen closures, A.K.A., "Snow Days", however, make up days will only need to be added if they fall under each districts  total hours needed for each school year. If the 1098 hours are not met and schools fall below the required amount they risk reduction of their funding from the state.

Each school district makes its own calendar based on many different factors from state laws and regulations to Teacher Union requirements. Some districts factor in more than 6 unforeseen closures each year, some have shorter Winter or Spring breaks and some base their calendars on the minimum hours required by the state.

Most schools have yet to release any need for make up days due to the fact that adding time to the school calendar faces several budget issues as well as opinions of where to add the hours.

This Winter has been challenging to say the least, not only has the resent amount of "Snows Days" caused parents problems with childcare needs it is possibly causing our schools to make changes to their calendars to meet state requirements.