Schools Likely to Get a Break on State-Approved Days Off

Legislation increasing the number of school calamity days from three to five has passed the Ohio Senate -- the days are used for inclement weather and other emergencies -- and is expected to go to Gov. John Kasich for signature soon. 

Among the Senate changes to the bill is an emergency clause that would give Ohio schools two extra days off immediately, and a requirement that would allow schools to make up up to five excess calamity days if classes are taught on-line. 

To become law, Senate changes must first be approved by the House; the amended bill is then signed by the governor. 

Former Gov. Ted Strickland cut the number of approved days off from five to three. Gov. Kasich favors reinstatement of the two lost days.

House Bill 36 was approved 32-1 by the Senate and 92-5 by the House. It was sponsored by Sen. Tim Grendell, R-11, Chesterland, and has been vocally supported by snow-belt superintendents who have exceeded the current three state-approved days.

In the district, Superintendent Brian Poe said most buildings have been off six days this year. primary school has been off seven days. schools have also exceeded their three allowable days. 

Under current law, schools that take more days off than three state-approved days must must make them up at the end of the year.