The seven schools in the Port Washington school district were closed Monday, the third time in three successive weeks and using up all of their annual snow days.
Schools were closed Tuesday, Jan. 27, and Monday, Feb. 2, because of fierce snow storms, while Monday’s closing was due more to icy conditions.
Any more snow days and time may have to be taken from spring break, a seven-day period that runs from April 2 to April 10, a decision that would not be a popular with students.
Another make-up day option would be to add a staff development day to the last week in June, following the last day of school for students on June 26.
A final determination on make-up day(s) will be made as the circumstances unfold. Parents would be notified in a timely manner of any make-up days should they become necessary, school officials said.
The reason no more days can be given is because the district wants to qualify for state aid for student attendance. Schools must be in session 180 days in accordance with State Education Department statutory requirements. Delayed openings and early dismissals count as school days.
Port has a 183-day school year, which gives it that three-day cushion, which has now been used.
And state aid is crucial. This year, Port schools received $6.9 million. Last school year it was $6.7 million.
“The safety and well being of our students, their families and our staff are the primary reasons for closing schools due to severe weather conditions,” said Dr. Kathleen Mooney, superintendent of schools. “The Port Washington school community is supportive of these decisions and understands that sometimes make-up days are required as a result. This has occurred in past years and it would be handled similarly this year should the need arise.”
