Bermudian Springs discusses remote instruction versus true snow days; administration favors preserving snow days and planned remote makeups

District leaders debated whether to use remote instruction to avoid makeup days or preserve traditional snow days, with administrators warning that remote instruction requires advance preparation and that many K–6 students do not take devices home.

Dr. Myers said remote instruction days are useful for exercising systems but are “not a true instructional day in my mind. It becomes more homework at home.” He described logistical constraints: K–6 students typically lack devices at home, so teachers would need materials prepared in advance and the district would need nearly 24 hours’ notice to execute a meaningful remote day.

Board members and public commenters emphasized competing priorities. One public commenter and a teacher, Diana Nelson, said makeup days scheduled close to holiday weekends previously led to high absenteeism; Nelson said, “it is very hard to teach content when a third of your class is gone,” and argued that carefully scheduled in‑person days produce better instructional outcomes. A grandparent raised wage impacts for hourly employees if the district reduces paid workdays.

Dr. Myers recommended the district hold true snow days when weather makes in‑person attendance unsafe and then plan remote instruction on makeup days so teachers can prepare materials and students can meaningfully participate. The administration will gather additional feedback from building leaders and return with a recommended approach for calendar planning.