Will Waltham Get Snow Days This Winter?

WALTHAM, MA — During a normal year, news of a snowstorm heading for Waltham would bring the prospect that school could be canceled. But with online learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, that prospect has dimmed somewhat.

This year, the state is allowing school districts to pivot to virtual learning instead of canceling in-person class amid winter weather. Superintendent Brian Reagan said such a shift to online school will be Waltham's game plan should weather conditions be too unfavorable to ask teachers and students to make the drive to schools.

"The district surveyed families and staff earlier this month and 68% of families and 66% of staff indicated that they preferred the use of remote learning days over traditional snow days," Reagan said. "Remote learning days count toward our required 170-day school year."

The state modified this school year to a required 170 days instead of the typical 180 because of the pandemic, and do not need to be added to the calendar in June, he said.

Should the weather be too bad for in-person attendance at school, Reagan said he will make an announcement to shift to online learning.

Still, a school cancellation is not entirely out of the question.

Should Waltham have an exceptionally strong storm - for example, one that knocks out power throughout the region - he might have to declare a snow day with no remote instruction.

The superintendent consults with Waltham's public works and public safety officials to determine whether to call an online day or a snow day. Road, parking lot and parking ban conditions factor into whether he decides if school can safely open.

Once he makes the call, he'll get the news out by having it posted to the district website, social media accounts, and by automated phone calls and emails to families and staff.

"In many ways this is an experiment for the whole state," Reagan said. "Let’s get some feedback and figure out if we need to adjust."

He said he'll aim to let teachers know the afternoon before, so they have time to get their computers and equipment from the school and take them home.

"With a winter storm in the forecast for Wednesday evening into Thursday, it is likely that I will shift the district into remote learning for the day," he said Tuesday. "But I will not make that call until tomorrow."

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.