More snow is likely on the way, but it could come at a cost for some local school districts -- many of which have already run out of designated snow days.
Many schools will use the upcoming Presidents Day holiday as a make-up day, News4 has learned, and other tactics include extending the school year and even cutting recess.
In Virginia, Arlington solved the problem by changing some early release days to full days, and Fairfax County schools -- which have used six days, three more than allocated -- will now be in session on Presidents Day and April 7. Alexandria schools may have to add minutes to the school day.
Fauquier and Frederick county public schools have already closed 10 days due to snow -- twice as many days as were budgeted. Fauquier County school officials say they are considering cutting recess to make up for lost time, and Frederick schools will now be in session on Presidents Day.
In Maryland, Prince George's County Public Schools will see its academic year stretched from June 5 to June 11, and in Howard County, the last day of school has been bumped from June 11 to June 18. Montgomery County's year has been extended as well.
Maryland schools are required to be in session 180 days per year, but they can have the requirement waived by the state later this year.
D.C. Public Schools close less than other districts and had just one snow day allocated. They've now used three. The district’s press secretary says they are trying to figure out how to make up those extra days.
Reporting by Sam Nassau
