Schools in P.E.I. get 11th snow day this year

In a decision that proved to be controversial with some parents, the school boards on P.E.I. cancelled classes for the third day in a row after the massive snow storm that moved through the Maritimes this week.

Road conditions were a major factor.

This will make for 11 province-wide snow days in total for this school year.

Leslie MacDonald, a snow plow operator on the island, was plowing the roads late Friday morning.

“Now they're good compared to what they were, because earlier it was only one lane,” MacDonald said. But she said the school buses still can’t get through.

Cynthia Fleet, superintendent of education, said she received reports of roads not being safe for children who are walking.

Taylor Trainor, a Stonepark student said she is worried her grades are hurting.

And she isn’t alone. Fleet said P.E.I.'s School Act doesn't allow for the board to add makeup days into the calendar or take away professional development days.

“I will be sending a letter encouraging principals and teachers to pay careful attention to our limited instructional time,” Fleet said . “And to ensure that we maximize teaching and learning. from now on till the end of the school year.”

With more nasty weather in the forecast, there could be another difficult decision to make come Monday.