CLARKS SUMMIT — Last week’s crippling snowstorm did more than just make the roads hazardous. It also forced two local school districts to alter their calendars.
According to Abington Heights Superintendent Michael Mahon, the district used its allotment of snow days after the first two cancellations of last week (Tuesday and Wednesday). The district was also closed Thursday and Friday.
“We have to look at our options and come up with the best alternative plan,” Mahon said.
Mahon added the district’s maintenance staff did an “admirable job” with snow removal, despite difficult circumstances.
“Our crews have been working hard clearing the lots and getting rid of the snow,” he said. “They’ve also been clearing the roofs to make sure all the buildings are structurally sound.
“All of the schools were hit pretty hard, but we’ve had the most drifting snow at Waverly Elementary and the high school.”
Mahon considered the inability to hold classes as “the worst thing of all” from the storm.
“We’re going to make up the days, but we’ve lost continuity,” he said. “We have our Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing coming up, so this was unwelcome by everyone for planning purposes. One snow day is fun, but this was too much.
“I think it was the worst snowstorm of my lifetime, not just my career as a superintendent,” Mahon added. “It’s the worst we’ve seen at Abington Heights.”
The district also cancelled its March 15 regular school board meeting. The board will meet for a work session at 6:30 p.m. April 5 at the administration building, 200 E. Grove St., Clarks Summit.
Students returned to class at Abington Heights Monday, but all absences due to road conditions were excused.
According to Lackawanna Trail Superintendent Matthew Rakauskas, the district also used all its snow days and will likely now use June 12 as the last student day and reschedule graduation, however the Board of Education will need to vote on an amendment to the current calendar to make it official.
“High school principal Mark Murphy is meeting with the seniors to poll them on a few scenarios which will give them options for the rescheduling of Class Night and graduation,” Rakauskas said. “We want to be certain that seniors and their parents have a strong voice in the decision.”
