Kasich signs bill to giving Ohio schools 2 additional calamity days

4/13/2011

COLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) has given Ohio schools more snow days, a move that he jokes will mean "more sled-riding."

Kasich on Wednesday signed a bill providing schools with five calamity days per year, up from three. The measure applies to the current school year.

He says the legislation reflects that student safety is a priority.

A harsh winter meant many districts quickly used up their three days, leaving them with the choice of holding school in bad weather or canceling classes and adding days later in the school year.

The governor says under the new law schools that exceed their five days may compensate by lengthening the school day by 30 minutes.

School districts previously had five calamity days but lost two under former Gov. Ted Strickland.