Southwick-Tolland Regional School District used 4 emergency days following October's snowstorm.
WESTFIELD – The School Department may choose to continue the school year with prayers for a mild winter rather than chip away at remaining vacation days for students and staff.
“I am inclined to stay where we are right now and see what happens as winter arrives,” Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Scallion said this week.
The School Committee will meet in regular session Monday and Scallion will make a recommendation concerning the remaining school calendar.
Schools here have already used the five emergency days built into the calendar because of the October snowstorm plus a sixth day used Aug. 29 because of flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. The last day of school is now scheduled for June 20.
“I hope we can fly under the radar as far as winter storms,” said Scallion. “If we can end the school year on June 22, a Friday, I am comfortable with that.”
The superintendent said the department could consider cancellation of a professional development day scheduled in February. But, she said she wants to avoid canceling vacation days scheduled in February and April.
“Many parents and staff have plans for the vacations and many have made reservation a year in advance,” she said.
Westfield Education Association president Lori A. Hovey said the association could accept the superintendent’s plan.
“There are no waivers offered by the state because of last week’s storm recovery,” said Hovey.
“Traditionally we can expect two or three snow days during the winter months. There are just too many variables and maybe its not a bad idea to be optimistic about a mild winter,” Hovey said.
School Committee member Kevin J. Sullivan said “it is hard to bet on a no snow days during winter but we do not have many options.”
Southwick-Tolland Regional School District used four emergency days during the storm recovery. Schools there are now scheduled to close on June 19. A staff professional development day, which closes schools for students, had been scheduled during that week.
The district plans for five snow or emergency days in its school calendar and usually adds additional days to the school year if necessary.