Winter Break Cut by Chester Schools to Prep For More Snow Days

So far, so good… but just in case.

That’s the stance the Chester School District board of education took on Friday when it held a special meeting to address the issue of inclement weather days used this year.

Chester, as of the meeting had used all of its four allotted emergency days due to snow and ice making for hazardous driving conditions. While the district was not yet in the position to have to make up days, it took a preemptive strike with a just-in-case approach.

The district scheduled a winter break in February from Monday the 17 to Wednesday the 19, coinciding with the National Holiday of Presidents’ Day. The board voted on and approved turning Feb. 19 into a full schedule school day.

In doing so, the district is now prepared to absorb one more snow day if necessary.

In the event no more inclement weather days are needed before the end of the school year, a day will be taken off in May to create a four-day weekend during Memorial Day. Schools would be closed May 27 to make up for the Feb. 19 day, according to business administrator MaryJane Canose.

The last day of school is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 24.

Chester’s calendar still includes two days off for winter break in February, five days off for spring break in April, and the current three-day weekend in May.

Was this a good move by the Chester School District? Would you rather see the time made up elsewhere? Did the district act too soon?