The Tennessee Department of Education approved a request from Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) for a waiver from the state’s 180-day instructional requirement.¶
The district kept schools closed for 10 consecutive days following Winter Storm Fern and blew through its eight banked snow days. According to a news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly, the district has received a waiver covering five impacted days and will not need to adjust its school calendar to compensate for the closures.¶
“MSCS is grateful for the State’s responsiveness and partnership throughout this weather event,” said the district in a statement. “The district remains focused on ensuring continuity of learning and supporting students and staff as we transition back to normal operations. We thank our families, employees, and community members for their patience and collaboration during the storm recovery process.”¶
State Law Requirements¶
State law authorizes the Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner to waive the 180-day instructional requirement when natural disasters or serious conditions disrupt the normal operation of schools.¶
Commissioner Lizette Reynolds confirmed that MSCS met the criteria for relief due to the storm’s widespread effects and the district’s exhaustion of stockpile days, according to the news release.¶
Metro Nashville Public Schools faced a similar predicament when it exceeded its banked snow days earlier this month, but the district opted to convert a scheduled professional development day on February 16 to an in-class day for students, rather than request a waiver.¶
