Mid-Missouri schools plan for snow days amid COVID-19 pandemic

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As the possibility of winter weather approaches, Mid-Missouri school districts are deciding how to deal with snow days as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

According to ABC 17 Chief Meteorologist Jessica Quick, the average amount of snow seen in December is 4.4 inches, and the average low temperature is 24 degrees.

According to the stormtrack forecast, no snow is predicted for the next few weeks of November, but Quick said it's not out of the realm of possibility.

Columbia Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said CPS will still have snow days for students and staff even if students are learning virtually.

"Virtual learning will still adhere to the same winter weather cancellation policies and procedures as in-person learning options, as both must maintain the same school year calendar, including snow days," she said.

Baumstark said even though snow days are expected it will still look different than past years.

"So we'll still have snow days, but how many we have to actually make up may change based on the number of hours and the number of snow days used," she said.

Southern Boone School District Superintendent Chris Felmlee said his district still has six snow days built into the calendar. Like CPS, they will still have snow days if kids are learning online.

"We are still going to honor snow days, snow days aren't dying," he said. "It will be a typical snow day even if students are learning virtually."

The Blair Oaks School District is discussing a plan for snow days. Superintendent Jim Jones said there are more options this year for snow days due to the knowledge of virtual learning.

"We do want people to have the opportunity to enjoy some normalcy that we have been missing this year but unfortunately I can't say this is exactly what is going to look like at this point," he said.

Fulton Public Schools has not responded to the request for its snow day plan this year.