More snow days could mean calendar change for Fairfax schools

WASHINGTON — Fairfax County public school students have had so many snow days for in recent years that the school calendar could see some future changes.

It wouldn’t happen until the 2017 school year, but the Fairfax County School Board will consider starting classes before Labor Day.

Virginia law requires school systems to start school after Labor Day — the intention, among other things, is to boost state tourism.

However, school districts can get a waiver to the post-Labor Day start if they are closed an average of eight days a year, for five of the past 10 years, because of weather or other emergencies.

Fairfax County public schools say the system now qualifies for the waiver, having missed an average of 8.4 days for five years.

No changes are being contemplated for the start of the 2016 school year, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The Fairfax County Public School system says the school board will hear the views of parents and teachers before any final decision.

Dick Uliano

Whether anchoring the news inside the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center or reporting from the scene in Maryland, Virginia or the District, Dick Uliano is always looking for the stories that really impact people's lives.

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