School systems in Maryland can apply to waive up to three snow days this year.
After a winter that saw many systems delay and cancel classes because of snow and ice, the state Board of Education voted Tuesday to authorize Superintendent Lillian Lowery to make case-by-case decisions on waivers from the state's 180-day requirement.
The board also asked that each system's waiver request include an outline of calendar changes made to meet students' instructional needs.
Prince George's County Public Schools are trying to make up day by altering one day prior to spring break. April 2 is now an instructional day with two hour early dismissal. Spring break remains April 3-10 for students and teachers.
So far, officials say 11 school systems have requested waivers, but others may make requests in coming weeks. There's no timetable for decisions on the requests.
The board has already allowed four school systems to open on the Monday after Easter, a state school holiday, to make up some of the lost time.
