During the Harrisonville Schools Board Meeting on February 1, 2025, discussions centered around the management of snow days and the implications of Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days for the school calendar. The meeting highlighted the district's current status regarding snow days, AMI days, and the potential need for makeup days.

The district has utilized all six AMI days allowed by the state, which equates to 36 hours of instructional time that can be forgiven. This flexibility has been crucial as the district navigates the challenges posed by winter weather, having already experienced two snow days and beginning a third. The conversation emphasized the importance of adhering to state guidelines while ensuring that students receive adequate instructional time.

A key point raised was the varying interpretations of AMI days among neighboring districts, with some opting for shorter instructional periods to maximize the number of days they could claim under AMI provisions. Harrisonville Schools, however, has opted for a straightforward approach, maintaining six-hour instructional days to fulfill the AMI requirements.

The board also discussed the contractual obligations of staff, noting that teachers are required to work 177 days, with new teachers having a slightly higher requirement of 179 days. The superintendent expressed concern about requesting forgiveness for multiple staff workdays due to snow days, emphasizing the need for accountability to the community. To address this, a proposal was made to have staff work during snow days to ensure productivity and maintain records of their efforts.

Looking ahead, the possibility of scheduling makeup days was considered, particularly as the district has identified potential dates in March. However, the superintendent cautioned against adding makeup days at the end of the school year, as this has historically been met with resistance from students and families.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to managing snow days and AMI days while balancing the needs of students and staff. The board will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions that prioritize educational integrity and community accountability.