Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ decision to remain closed for the ninth consecutive day on Thursday officially exceeded the district’s stockpiled days for inclement weather.
District leaders allocated eight stockpile days for this school year and used the final one on Wednesday due to ongoing ice-related challenges from Winter Storm Fern. The district announced Thursday’s closure on social media, saying the ice remains a challenge.
“MSCS (Memphis-Shelby County Schools) teams continued conducting safety assessments today across school campuses and surrounding communities,” the statement said. “While conditions are improving, many areas, including residential streets, sidewalks, and bus stops remain impassable.”
Waiver Request Possible
Tennessee requires all public schools to provide 180 days of classroom instruction, and school districts typically schedule up to 13 stockpile days to use when classes need to be cancelled due to weather or other emergencies. Because Governor Bill Lee declared a State of Emergency for Fern, MSCS may request a waiver from the state of the 180-day requirement…