Kasich urges Ohio lawmakers to increase school snow days

Gov. John R. Kasich has urged the Ohio General Assembly and Ohio Department of Education to work together on legislation providing a one-time increase in the number of days that schools can take off because of snow or bad weather.

Kasich said a one-time increase of just a few days is needed since so many Ohio schools have used—or are close to using—their five allowable “calamity” days due to the unusually severe winter weather this year.

“School closures can, of course, be an inconvenience but student safety always comes first. Many schools have already hit the maximum number of snow days, or will soon, and if they exceed it and have to extend the school year it can wreak havoc with schools budgets and schedules.

"Giving schools a few extra snow days this year will be helpful and let everyone stay focused on the top priority when weather hits, keeping kids safe,” said Kasich.

Ohio law allows schools five “calamity” days a year before they must start adding days to the school year.

Kasich enacted legislation in 2011 increasing the number of calamity days from three to five. This proposed increase would be for the current school year only.