AUBURN — If students were hoping for an extra-short school week, they’re out of luck.

 

Winter weather is continuing to cause scheduling headaches for school administrators in Auburn, and this time, a teacher workshop day scheduled for Friday, March 17, has been turned into a regular school day.

 

The School Department announced the decision Wednesday, following a nor’easter that dropped more than a foot of snow Tuesday into Wednesday. 

 

Auburn Superintendent of Schools Katy Grondin said if the planned teacher workshop day was held Friday, it would keep students in school until Friday, June 23, with staff forced to come in June 26.

 

With the shift to a regular school day Friday, the last day of school for students will be Thursday, June 22. Wednesday’s snow day was the ninth for the district this year.

 

“It’s been a very unusual season,” she said, adding the most snow days the district has had recently is five. “My fear is this may not be the last storm.”

 

A statement posted by the department Wednesday reads, “Friday, March 17, will be a REGULAR STUDENT DAY due to the number of snow days we have experienced this winter. We understand this decision may be in conflict with prior family arrangements. If your child is not able to attend, please contact your child’s school to let them know, so the absence will be considered excused. We appreciate your understanding. Thank you.” 

 

Grondin said the snow day Wednesday pushed the last day for staff to the fourth week in June. With another snow day, the same would apply for students.

 

She said she’s still looking at a few options that could provide a “cushion” and perhaps move up the end of the year. That includes possibly extending the school day by an hour on Wednesdays.

 

Grondin planned to ask the School Committee on Wednesday to agree to request a waiver from the state commissioner of education for the additional hour to the school day once a week. She said if five days are extended by an hour, it counts as a full school day. If the district was to extend each Wednesday for the rest of the year, at 10 weeks, it would make up two school days. 

 

That would put the end of school around Tuesday, June 20, barring another storm. 

 

The workshop day originally planned for Friday was scheduled to include staff development, Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) testing preparation and other agenda items. Grondin said her staff is being “exceptional” in planning for the rescheduled day.

 

arice@sunjournal.com