Dist. 203 looks at late start option for snow days

Naperville Unit District 203 is considering an option to start school two hours later on days that otherwise would be canceled by snow.

"I would much rather have a two-hour late start than add another day onto the calendar in June or May," Superintendent Mark Mitrovich told the school board Monday. "Every day is precious to us for the next two summers."

The district is in the midst of major renovations to Naperville Central High School and has construction scheduled to begin as soon as students start summer vacation.

Last winter, the district canceled school three times due to inclement weather, each time pushing back the last day of school.

When meteorologists are predicting bad weather, area superintendents usually have a conference call as early as 4:30 a.m. to talk about whether they plan to cancel school for the day. Having the option of a delayed start, Mitrovich said, would give him more time to watch the weather and road conditions before making a decision.

But there would be some complicating factors for a late start including scheduling for special education, kindergarten and out-of-district programs, as well as transportation.

"It's not as simple as saying we're running two hours late," Mitrovich said.

However, starting late won't mean overlapping with dinner time. The school day still would end at its regularly scheduled time, and the state would count it as a full day of instruction.

Mitrovich said he will return to the school board with a more detailed report.