The Board of Education today [Tuesday, March 11] approved the extension of the current school year by two days to Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20, and the opening of schools on a previously scheduled professional development day on Wednesday, March 19, to make up three school days lost because of weather emergencies.

In adopting the recommendations of Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools, the Board also authorized the submission of waiver requests for two days lost during the state of emergency created by the massive snowstorm in early February. State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, has indicated that school systems would be granted waivers for two days because of that storm.

In addition, the Board concurred with a waiver request to the Maryland State Board of Education for the school day lost to the weather emergency on Friday, February 28. Should that waiver not be granted, however, the Board of Education authorized the superintendent to open schools and administrative offices on the previously scheduled holiday of Monday, April 21.

Other changes to the school year calendar are possible pending any additional weather emergencies.