By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó If snow comes falling down in Rowan County like it did in January, students will likely be going to school on Saturday or losing part of their spring break.
This yearís calendar leaves little room for make-up days.
Rowan-Salisbury School System officials cleared February and March of workdays, transforming them into required professional development days.
ěWe will have some real problems if it snows,î Colby Cochran, director of assessment and accountability, said at the June school board meeting.
Cochran said the district had little choice in the matter. The calendar was already approved when state legislators mandated an additional five instructional days.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction waived the requirement this year in favor of allowing districts to have five teacher training days instead.
Those training days will be Sept. 30, Nov. 21 and 22 and April 4 and 5.
Officials said although trouble could ensue if inclement weather occurs during the second semester the new schedule has an advantage.
Students will be out of school for this yearís South Rowan Parade. Typically they have to miss class to get ready for the parade.
Next year, students will go to class 185 days as required by law.
School officials will have to budget accordingly to ensure transportation is provided.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.