Great Valley School District explores flexible instruction days for 2025-26 calendar year

The Great Valley School District Board is considering a significant shift in its approach to handling inclement weather days, with discussions centered around the potential adoption of Flexible Instruction Days (FID). This move comes as the district grapples with the reality of being one of the few in Chester County that does not currently utilize virtual instruction days, leading to longer school years for its students.

During the April 4, 2025, board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Maida outlined the implications of adopting FID, which would allow the district to conduct virtual classes during emergencies such as snowstorms or power outages. Currently, Great Valley adds snow days to the end of the school year, resulting in students potentially attending classes well into June—specifically, June 12 for the 2025 calendar year, which is later than most neighboring districts.

Dr. Maida presented four options for the board's consideration:
1. Implement FID days immediately, applying for approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education by June 1.
2. Maintain traditional snow days while using FID as a backup.
3. Adjust the school calendar to shorten breaks or trim conference days to reclaim instructional time.
4. Continue the current practice of adding snow days to the end of the year.

The board expressed concerns about the effectiveness of virtual instruction, particularly for students requiring additional support, such as those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). While some board members advocated for a hybrid approach—combining traditional snow days with FID—others emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent and meaningful educational experience for all students.

The discussion highlighted the need for a thoughtful implementation plan, including communication with families about device usage and instructional support during FID. The board plans to revisit the topic at their next meeting on April 21, 2025, to further evaluate the options and gather more data.

As the district navigates these changes, the goal remains clear: to balance the need for flexibility in instruction with the commitment to providing a robust educational experience for every student.