May a district shorten its school year if closure was unavoidable due to hurricane-related circumstances?
School districts and charters in the affected areas may obtain a waiver to shorten their school year by up to ten days due to closures caused by the hurricane, in addition to any existing waivers for staff development. There is no requirement to formally apply, other than a written notice referencing this letter. Any districts closed for more than ten days will be asked to confirm that the remainder of the school year will be completed through the use of inclement weather days or other adjustments to the school calendar. The agency will consider any waiver requests necessary to complete the school year by extended days or weeks on an individual basis. There is no need to seek agency approval for any other changes in the district calendar to complete the remainder of the school year.
