Wake schools are about to shake up snow day traditions: Here's what you need to know

Wake County schools are planning to make a major shift in how they handle snow days next year, as discussions have begun around implementing remote learning during emergencies. The Wake County school board has decided that a new plan could be in place as early as the next school year, potentially reducing the number of makeup days for weather-related school closures. If approved, the district will take a more flexible approach to learning during inclement weather, aiming to avoid the disruption of rescheduling school days.
Currently, the district's policy mandates that all "banked days"—extra schooldays scheduled throughout the year—and teacher workdays be used before schools pivot to remote learning. However, after recent snowstorms in the area, the school board’s policy committee determined that changes are needed to better accommodate students and families during unexpected closures.
What will the new plan entail?
Superintendent Robert Taylor, as quoted by the WRAL News, has been tasked with drafting a plan that would allow remote learning to take place during emergencies before any makeup days are scheduled. Taylor emphasized that other districts have already started adjusting their emergency remote learning strategies. According to WRAL News, Taylor explained, “It is about, how do we have a robust plan?” highlighting the need for a more organized approach to ensure that students don’t fall behind when classes are canceled.
This change is especially important after the district’s recent struggles to manage snow days. For instance, three snow days last week forced traditional calendar schools to reschedule classes on teacher workdays—March 14, April 7, and May 2. In year-round schools, Saturday makeup days are already being used in place of lost school time.
Addressing remote learning concerns
While the idea of remote learning during snow days has sparked interest, the plan is not without its concerns. Some board members, such as Lindsay Mahaffey, voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of remote learning, especially for younger students and those with disabilities. Mahaffey said, "I'm worried about the mechanics of it," acknowledging that high school students may be more equipped for remote learning than younger children. Additionally, as reported by WRAL News, many parents have shared concerns about their children’s ability to adapt to remote learning, particularly given the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moreover, Wake schools have not yet established the necessary infrastructure for seamless remote learning, such as stable internet access for all students. The district plans to ensure that learning is meaningful and not just a "check-the-box" exercise. As WRAL News reported, Taylor plans to address these issues when drafting the new plan, taking into account the needs of students with disabilities and ensuring effective instruction.
Looking ahead
While the board’s decision is still in the planning stages, it’s clear that Wake County is ready to rethink traditional snow day practices. This shift could set a precedent for other districts grappling with similar weather-related disruptions. If the plan moves forward, Wake County schools will be on the cutting edge of balancing flexibility and learning continuity during emergencies. As reported by WRAL News, the school board aims to have a detailed plan in place for the 2025 school year.