Pinellas school board approves post-hurricane makeup days

Despite some complaints about extending the last day of classes by two hours, the Pinellas County School Board approved Tuesday a application to make up approximately 50 hours of instruction lost due to hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The plan includes students’ participation on January 6 and February 17, which are scheduled as days off from classes. It also calls for ensuring a full day on May 29, rather than allowing students to leave early as has been the practice in the past.

First-semester exams for students will be canceled, except in special circumstances, such as dual enrollment requirements, in order to regain additional study time. Moreover, the high school final exam will take place at the end of May, not in the middle of the month as expected.

Neither graduation dates nor locations have been set because Tropicana Field is no longer available. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said details should be available in about a week.

Board members said they received emails complaining about the longer last day and changes to start schedules. They emphasized that the district must meet state requirements for instructional time and said the changes would include that law. At the same time, they provide flexibility when more time is needed.

“I hate to say it, but hurricane season is not over yet,” said board member Stephanie Meyer.