Supt. Belson: 3 More Snow Days Remain

Schools Still Have 3 Days to Work with Before Considering Alternatives to Make up Snow Days

– Allison Goldsberry

Weekly snow storms since December have closed the Medford schools five times and have left parents and kids wondering what will be done to make up the lost time.

Currently the last day of school is Monday, June 27, and School Superintendent Roy Belson says there are still three more days remaining before an alternative solution to make up the time is considered. What are some options? Taking all or part of April vacation, school on Saturdays, or adding an extra hour to the school day over six days to acquire an additional day of school.

Supt. Belson said February vacation will remain, as many families have already made plans.

“…we would not touch February vacation. It is too close and we would still not know the full extent of the winter impact on school days. As you may know, one year we had a snow day in April. Certainly March has been known to give us some tough weather in various years. April vacation is a possibility,” said Supt. Belson in a statement.

By law school districts in Massachusetts must provide 180 days of school by June 30. Supt. Belson said negotiations with school staff would be needed if there is a proposed change to the school schedule.

Belson said the “good news” is that other school districts are in the same predicament and it’s possible the state department of education will discuss potential solutions if the weather continues to wreak havoc on the school year.

According to the Superintendent, the school administration and School Committee will seek feedback from the community over the coming weeks for palatable alternatives to make up lost time if more snow days are necessary.

“Obviously, we must meet our legal obligations; provide meaningful education to our students; keep our students safe; and help parents plan their schedules and family activities,” said Belson.