District to make-up two of the four snow days

District to make-up two of the four snow days
Move allows Wa-Hi graduation date to remain unchanged

School board members last night unanimously voted to make-up two of the four days missed this winter as a result of the area's record storms. Governor Gregoire declared a State of Emergency in December allowing district's to apply for fully funded waivers to excuse missed days as a result of the severe winter storms.

Walla Walla Public Schools received state waivers to excuse three of the four days, but the school board voted to use only two. The district will extend the school year by one day. The school year will now end Friday, June 12 at noon.

The district will also make-up a second missed day in March. Students will attend school Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6 becomes a full conference day.

The school board's action allows Walla Walla High School's graduation date to remain Friday, June 5 and does not impact student summer programs and teacher professional development opportunities currently scheduled in June.

"This decision marks a compromise," said Superintendent Rich Carter. "We feel strongly students need to be in school, but we also realize extending the school year into the third week of June impacts end of year ceremonies and summer programs. This schedule allows us to make up some of the missed time without jeopardizing important school activities."

Despite waiving two days, the district continues to exceed the state required 1,000-hour minimum for instructional hours.