Ohio Senate puts its own stamp on calamity-days measure

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Senate is expected to consider a proposal to let schools take up to four additional calamity days this year, if they first use their five contingency days.

A Senate panel amended the bill today to require districts to first use the contingency days built into their schedules before getting any extra days that they would not have to make up. That’s a change from a House-passed plan.

Snow and frigid temperatures has led many districts across Ohio to exhaust their five allowable calamity days. Some have canceled classes for 10 or more days.

The Senate-changed bill also would let districts make up the time by lengthening school days by 30-minute increments. The bill would excuse high-school seniors from makeup days that occur after their scheduled graduation ceremonies.