Because of days lost to cold and snow, school districts — for this school year only — could reduce classroom days to less than the number required by state law, under a bill the Minnesota Senate passed overwhelmingly today. Woodbury Democrat Susan Kent suggested only three days be allowed — those during the end-of-January polar vortex. Kent argues it would “allow districts the relief that they need,… but also just put a little bit of constraint because we need to make sure our students are in school as much as possible.” Rochester Republican Carla Nelson responded, “Our schools have had significant impact beyond those three days, or different days.”
But a bill moving through the House would allow only three snow days that districts would not have to make up — meaning the two chambers will likely have to hammer out a compromise.