LAPEER (WJRT) -
(02/19/13) - Bad weather in Mid-Michigan this winter has meant students have missed a number of class days. Some school districts are approaching the point that they will have to extend the school year into the middle of June.
Six thousand students attend Lapeer Community Schools, and many of them live on rural roads that don't always get plowed and salted right away.
"Unfortunately, it's too treacherous to ask our bus drivers to travel down those roads. And when the majority of your students live in that type of a remote location, it makes it difficult for us in rural districts to have school," said Matthew Wandrie, Lapeer Community Schools superintendent.
As a result, weather conditions have caused Lapeer school officials to cancel classes nine days this year.
"This has been the worst in recent memory," Wandrie said.
State law requires students to attend classes a certain number of days each year. Six days can be forgiven due to circumstances beyond a school district's control. Beyond that, the days most likely will have to be made up.
"Going beyond the already identified end of school is difficult for us. It's something we always hope to avoid," Wandrie said.
Students and parents who have vacation plans or made commitments for the middle of June may have to make some changes. There could be final exams at that time.
One Lapeer West High School senior plays baseball on a traveling team. A longer school year may force him to miss a few games.
"I don't want anymore bad weather, no. I'd rather go to school than miss any baseball," said Zach Brewer.
Delaying a vacation doesn't appeal to one middle school student.
"Our family likes to go camping and it's easier to go camping in the summer than winter," said Joshua Hundt.
An extended school year could also disrupt summer school schedules.
"School districts are very rarely quiet in the summer. There are lot of activities in our facilities," Wandrie said.
Lapeer already is planning to make up three days. And we still have a lot of more winter in front of us.
