For Immediate Release
Friday, May 26, 2006
Contact:Heidi B. Perlman 781-338-3106

Statement from Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll on 180-Day Waiver Requests

MALDEN - "While I strongly believe that students belong in school and need a minimum of 180 days of schooling each year, I recognize the problems that this month’s unexpected flooding caused in many communities. To make up for valuable time lost, all school districts that have days to make up are expected to operate through at least Friday June 23. No waivers will be granted for days that could be made up by the end of that week. However, in consideration of the summer plans that many families have already made for the following week, districts that would be required to operate school during the week of June 26th to complete a full 180 day schedule may seek a waiver to close school for students effective Friday June 23rd. Waivers will be granted on the condition that district officials and teachers submit a plan to use the remaining days for professional training, planning or instructional preparation that will enhance the quality of teaching and learning for students in the coming year." List of waiver decisions:
  • Andover - students go until Friday, 6/23; teachers make up 1 day of PD
    • Greater Lawrence Technical High School - Students go until Friday, 6/23; teachers make up 1 day of PD
  • Greater Lowell Technical High School - no waiver granted - district goes until Thursday, June 22
  • Hamilton-Wenham - no waiver granted; district goes until Friday, 6/16
  • Haverhill - Application for waiver withdrawn by district
  • Lawrence - students go until Friday, 6/23; High School teachers make up 3 days for PD, elementary teachers make up 1 day for PD
  • Melrose - Students go until Friday, 6/23; High School teachers make up 3 days for PD, elementary teachers make up 2 days for PD
  • Methuen - students go until Friday, 6/23; teachers make up 2 days for PD
  • North Andover - Students go until Friday, 6/23; teachers make up 1 day of PD
  • Peabody - no waiver granted - district goes until Friday, June 23rd for Students, and Monday June 26th for Teachers.
  • Reading - Entire system ends on Thursday, June 22. 1 day waived at the HS due to closure earlier in the year because of an electrical fire.
  • Salem - students go until Friday, 6/23; teachers make up 1 day of PD
  • Winchester - no waiver granted - district goes until Thursday, June 22




Last Updated: May 26, 2006



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