After another stretch of winter weather and remote learning days, the Mars Area School Board is taking a fresh look at whether traditional snow days should return.
At this month’s meeting, board members reviewed survey results and discussed possible changes to how inclement weather days could be handled in future school years.
A district survey asked families and staff to choose between keeping remote learning days as they are now — with no makeup days — or converting the first two inclement weather days- into traditional snow days that would be made up later in the year. District administrators presented the data during the board’s February meeting.
Among parents who responded to the survey (approximately 16%), 59% favored keeping remote learning days as currently structured, while 41% supported bringing back two traditional snow days. District officials noted that responses were counted per household rather than by the number of students in each household, and that the 2025–26 school calendar had already been approved before the survey was conducted.
Staff feedback leaned more heavily toward remote learning, with 80% preferring to keep the current model and 20% supporting two traditional snow days.
But for some families, the issue goes beyond scheduling.
During public comment, one parent urged the board to reconsider the use of unlimited remote learning days, expressing concern that the district may be drifting away from prioritizing in-person instruction. The parent also cited challenges remote days create for working families and students who need additional academic support.
A board member echoed those concerns, saying the district should consider placing limits on remote learning days, citing potential impacts on student learning and well-being.
District leaders also shared that since remote learning was introduced following the COVID pandemic, the district has averaged about four remote days per year. This school year alone has already seen seven remote learning days due to recent winter storms.
A Possible Hybrid Approach
Board member Jennifer DeCuccio proposed a compromise for the 2026–27 school year: allowing the first two inclement weather days to become traditional snow days, with those days made up later in the calendar year. Under the proposal, makeup days would fall on April 16 and the Monday after Easter. Any additional weather days beyond the first two would continue as remote learning days, avoiding the need to extend the school year into summer.
Several board members expressed support for this hybrid approach, noting it could give students the chance to enjoy occasional snow days while also providing teachers time to prepare for remote instruction when needed.
The discussion also touched on broader concerns, including student attentiveness during remote learning, potential impacts on mental health, and attendance challenges.
Board members agreed that a more detailed community survey should be conducted before approving the 2026–27 calendar, allowing families and staff to weigh in earlier in the process.
The topic is expected to return on a future meeting agenda. For many Mars families, the discussion reflects a broader balance between preserving childhood traditions and maintaining instructional continuity.
BCAVTS Budget Approved
In other business, the board approved the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School budget for the 2026–27 school year.
Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School Executive Director Regina Hiler presented highlights including expanded school safety staffing, salary and turnover considerations, equipment upgrades, and classroom supplies. Despite increased enrollment, Mars Area School District’s share of the budget will rise by just 0.34%, or approximately $893 compared to last year. The increase is offset by state subsidies, Perkins funding, adult education revenue, and equipment grants.
