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CMS will not have to make up days during spring break

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was just two weeks ago when the snow fell and fell in Charlotte. It canceled class for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for three days and threatened the first two days of spring break. April 14 and 15 were on the calendar as possible makeup days, but some families didn't expect the winter weather and made plans.

"This kind of weather event is just very unusual for the Charlotte Mecklenburg region," said CMS Superintendent Heath Morrison.

Morrison said that unprecedented weather called for a unique plan.

He said that CMS has 1,080 hours built into the school year. That is more than the 1,025 hours required by the state. He said that extra time means that even without the two makeup days, the district still meets the hours required by law. He proposed a plan to not make up those two days, and the CMS Board of Education voted yes.

"We think it's the right decision for our students and our staff," said Morrison.

The Board of Education also voted on a plan to help hourly staff who lost pay during the snow. The district will create two training days in the summer for hourly employees like teaching assistants, bus drivers and cafeteria staff, so they can earn that money back.

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