Memphis-Shelby County Schools Exceeds its ‘Snow Days’
Image of worker clearing ice (Screenshot of video provided by MSCS)
Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ decision to remain closed for the ninth consecutive day on Thursday officially exceeded the district’s stockpiled days for inclement weather.
District leaders allocated eight stockpile days for this school year and used the final one on Wednesday due to ongoing ice-related challenges from Winter Storm Fern. The district announced Thursday’s closure on social media, saying the ice remains a challenge.
“MSCS (Memphis-Shelby County Schools) teams continued conducting safety assessments today across school campuses and surrounding communities,” the statement said. “While conditions are improving, many areas, including residential streets, sidewalks, and bus stops remain impassable.”
Waiver Request Possible
Tennessee requires all public schools to provide 180 days of classroom instruction, and school districts typically schedule up to 13 stockpile days to use when classes need to be cancelled due to weather or other emergencies. Because Governor Bill Lee declared a State of Emergency for Fern, MSCS may request a waiver from the state of the 180-day requirement.
In an email sent to the Tennessee Firefly on Wednesday, district leaders indicated that’s very much a possibility they’ll pursue.
“We have been made aware of potential instructional waivers available to school districts and will pursue them as appropriate,” the statement said. “If approved, a waiver could prevent the need to extend the school year or make up instructional time in other ways.”
Other Options Available
Metro Nashville Public Schools faced a similar predicament when it cancelled classes on Monday, but the district opted to convert a scheduled professional development day on February 16 to an in-class day for students, rather than request a waiver.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools does have a professional development day scheduled for next Friday if district leaders opt to follow a similar path.
