Claysburg-Kimmel School Board Applies to Change Snow Days to Home Days

Traditional snow days may be a thing of the past in the Claysburg-Kimmel School District.

In July, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a measure that allows Pennsylvania schools to declare a “flexible instruction day’ (FID) if they have to be closed for inclement weather like snow, building issues or emergencies.

Students will not physically attend school on the “flexible instruction” day. They will get and complete lessons at home so that a flexible instruction day counts toward the 180 days of instruction currently required annually. According to the law, a school's flexible instructional days may not exceed five.

C-K’s board of directors on Aug. 14 authorized the administration to submit an application for “Flexible Instruction Days.” The deadline to submit the application is Sept. 1.

A district that wants to participate in the program – which is not mandatory – must show the state Department of Education how it will record attendance, institute the program and accommodate students who lack the right technology at home, such as internet access.

When students use technology on flexible instructional days, accommodations will be made for those who don't have access to the Internet.

Schools are eligible to apply for a permit to allow them to factor FIDs into their mandated 180-day school year. The permits need to be renewed in three years.

Schools will be notified of their approval status by Nov. 1.

In other business at the August meeting, the board approved the following appointments: Tony Cavender, assistant volleyball coach; Emily Weyandt, assistant junior high volleyball coach; and Brittany Svitana, Student Council advisor.

The board voted to recognize the Audio/Video production Club as an approved student activity.

Joe Repko’s retirement from his position as maintenance supervisor was approved by the board.

Joan Rhodes and Jennifer Wogen were approved as AmeriCorps staff members at the elementary and secondary schools, respectively.

Secondary teacher Brannan Raptosh was named dean of students/cyber school director for the 2019-20 school year at a salary of $2,500.

Robin Echard was named to a part-time clerical position.