Triad school districts had to close when the remnants of Florence affected the area in September, followed by another onslaught of tropical weather from Michael earlier this month. While many of the details are still being worked out, it's clear that students in both Forsyth and Guilford counties will have to make up some of that time.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted this week to forgive two days lost from Florence. District officials say a law passed by state lawmakers shortly after the storm gives them more flexibility, so they will still be able to meet the required instructional time for the calendar year without making up those days.
But Brent Campbell, a spokesman with the school system, says a missed school day in October will need to be made up.
“There still hasn't been any definitive decision from the state about a possibility about how they may or may not decide an impact from Hurricane Michael. If they offer that guidance, that could change the option there as well, but at this point everyone should plan on January 22 being a student day.”
In Guilford County, students will go to school Nov. 1 and Jan. 18 to make up for days lost due to Florence.
Guilford County School officials say all schools will start five minutes early beginning in January. They say the changes will help the district deal with possible problems caused from more inclement weather.
“Historically, we experience our worst weather in Guilford County between January and March,” said Chief of Staff Nora Carr. “We want to have additional minutes in the bank so we can deal with any more issues that might arise this year and still meet state requirements.”
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