Spring Break and, or, extending the school year may not have to be used to make up lost school days because of weather. As long as two make up days are built into the schedule and are used, then the district can file for a waiver to the state asking not to make up the days. MISD has applied for the waiver.

“Sometimes schools have other problems like pipes breaking, gas leaks and other things so that they try not to punish you for unforeseen circumstances or things that are out of your control,” Assistant Principal Mrs. Murphree said.

WFAA reported Corpus Christi and El Paso were also closed for bad weather.  Texas Education Agency spokeswoman Debbie Ratcliffe told WFAA, “I can’t recall an event this large for a winter storm.” MISD has not had to request a weather waiver in many years.

“I would assume  we would get [the waiver]. Most of those waivers usually get through. Obviously we are going to have to use the two days that are there, but at least we wouldn’t have to make up the other two,” Mrs. Murphree said.

If the waiver is denied students are concerned about make up days interfering with graduation and spring break. The district has already contracted dates with the Potter House for June 6 and 7 so according to Mrs. Murphree graduation will not be affected. There are multiple options for making up the days. The district could choose to go on Saturdays or add extra hours to the school day for a couple of weeks.

“Obviously I think with graduation and all the other things we have going on throughout the year it would be a scheduling issue we would have to figure out. I think we could do it but it would be nice to not have to,” Mrs. Murphree said.

If the waiver is granted, students do not have to make up the missed days, but teachers and staff will be required to work additional days at the end of the year.