March 17 approved as make-up day for Gainesville schools

GAINESVILLE - March 17 was approved Monday night as a make-up day for students in the Gainesville School System as school officials consider how to make up some of the days missed in recent weeks because of wintry weather.

Supt. Merrianne Dyer confirmed Tuesday that the school board made that decision Monday night and at the same time gave the go-ahead for a survey among parents to decide on another make-up day.

The choices will be April 4, which is the Friday before the start of spring break, or a Saturday. Both March 17 and April 4 were originally scheduled as student holidays. City schools have already used Monday, Feb. 17, President's Day, which was a scheduled holiday, as one make-up day.

Gainesville schools have missed eight days since the first of January because of bitterly cold weather and snow storms.

Meanwhile, the state Board of Education meets Thursday to determine how much leeway it will give on make-up days.