When it comes to “snow days” and how to deal with them, where you live in the Tri-State matters

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (WKRC) – Students across the Tri-State have missed several days of school due to snow and cold weather, but how districts handle those days of inclement weather varies by state.

In Ohio, schools operate on an hour-based system rather than a day-based system. Middle and high school students must receive a minimum of 1,001 hours of instruction. Districts may schedule additional hours to accommodate snow days or other cancellations. They also have the option to conduct online learning for up to three days of canceled in-person classes, as was the case this week.

Meanwhile, in Indiana, schools must be in session for at least 180 student days, said Karl Galey, superintendent of the Lawrenceburg Community Schools Corporation.

“Indiana doesn’t get disaster days on the days we miss. We need to make up for this in some form or fashion,” Galey said.

Indiana districts have several options, including synchronous and asynchronous classroom learning. You can use up to three asynchronous days where students work at home at their own pace.

“Then students are given those assignments, and then they complete the assignments and turn them in. With synchronous classroom learning, lessons are delivered live and in real time to students by students and teachers,” Galey said.

There is no limit on synchronous or remote learning days, which are treated as a normal classroom day. Counties also have the option to schedule traditional snow days and make them up later.

In Kentucky, districts must meet both daily and hourly requirements, with students spending 1,062 hours in class over at least 170 days. The state allows counties to schedule extra days for weeks like this. It also allows for up to 10 non-traditional (NTI) school days, which, like in Ohio and Indiana, means online learning at home. NTI days are considered regular school days.