Parents and staff in the Chillicothe R-II School District can breathe a little easier when it comes to planning their summer schedules. The district has announced that it will not be adding make-up days to the 2024-2025 school calendar, despite multiple weather-related closures this year.

Superintendent Dr. Dan Wiebers confirmed that the decision was made after careful consideration with the Board of Education, aiming to provide families with stability when scheduling childcare, vacations, and other commitments.

This year, Chillicothe R-II utilized six Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) Days, which allowed students to complete assignments from home when school was closed. These days were a qualifier for a 1 percent bonus payment under Senate Bill 727, which requires 169 days of attendance. The regular district calendar included 170 planned days.

However, Mother Nature had other plans. Harsh winter weather, including a lot of snow and dangerously cold temperatures, forced the district to cancel school for a total of nine days. Even with the six AMI days and an extra built-in day, the district still fell two days short of the required threshold for the bonus.

Rather than disrupting family schedules with additional make-up days, the district has opted to stick with its approved calendar.

“ I understand that adding make-up days can be a challenge for both families and staff,” Dr. Wiebers said. “Given the circumstances, we believe this is the best course of action.”

With winter slowly giving way to spring, district officials are hopeful for more stable weather in the coming months. Parents are encouraged to plan accordingly, as the school calendar will remain as originally scheduled through the end of the academic year. For more information, visit www.chillicotheschools.org.