Home / Education / Flood Days Missed: Shiocton Seeks School Year Waiver
Flood Days Missed: Shiocton Seeks School Year Waiver
5 May
Summary
- District seeks waiver to avoid adding 8 missed flood days.
- Flooding displaced a third of students and quarter of staff.
- Waiver prevents disruption to summer school and construction.
The School District of Shiocton is pursuing a waiver to avoid extending its academic year to compensate for eight days lost to severe flooding last month. A unanimous school board resolution will allow the district administrator to formally request this exemption from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Severe flooding led to an evacuation order, making it impossible for students to attend school in person or virtually for eight days. This disruption affected approximately one-third of the district's student body and a quarter of its staff. Officials argue that extending the school year would negatively impact summer school schedules and delay crucial referendum construction projects.
Furthermore, administrators and teachers are not concerned about the academic impact of the missed days. They noted that the hiatus occurred during state testing and ACT preparation, minimizing curriculum loss. Parents and educators also highlighted the valuable life lessons learned, such as compassion, during the flood event.
The final decision on the waiver request rests with the Department of Public Instruction. The district's last scheduled day of school is currently June 5.
