DECATUR -- With the recent rounds of snow storms, many school students had extra time off. But that time comes at a cost as many school districts are looking at extending classes into the summer.

Arkansas state law requires students to attend a minimum 178 days of school. Any days missed due to weather have to be made up. It is up to each district to find these makeup days.

As of Feb. 6, the Decatur School District has missed 14 days of classes due to snow. Under the current policy, the last day of school would be June 9.

However, some members of the Decatur school board and Personnel Policy Committee are pushing to write a proposal to obtain a waiver from the state in order to prevent school days extending into the summer.

"In order to apply for a waiver from the state for some of those days, the district would have to have done everything it can to make up those days with holidays or spring break and any other opportunities the district might have, including teacher professional days and other considerations," said Larry Ben, Decatur Schools superintendent.

One plan under consideration is to use spring break as makeup days.

"If we take spring break and go to school, we can apply for a waiver from the state to waive some of those days over 10," Ben said.

Also under consideration is the use of Memorial Day as a school day. The combination of both plans would place the final day of the 2013-14 school year between May 27 and Jun. 1.

To make up these days before the final test in May, students would have ample time to prepare. This should translate into better test scores for the Decatur district. Any days made up after final test would be considered a loss, according to Ben.

The proposal will be discussed at length during the school board meeting scheduled for Feb. 17.

"In order for this to happen, it requires a vote of the board and it requires a vote of the employees," Ben stated.

The employees, under the Personnel Policy, are required to vote on any changes to the calendar year, in accordance with provision in their contracts.

If inclement weather forces the district to use any further snow days, students will have to attend classes into the summer.

Once these plans are approved, information will be sent via mail to parents and posted on the district website. For more information, contact the Decatur Schools at 752-3986 or visit the district website at www.decatursd.com.