
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 16, 1995                   TAG: 9502160047
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MONTGOMERY MEETS EARLY OPENING RULES

Montgomery County Schools is one of close to 45 school systems across the state that will be allowed to open school before Labor Day next year. Current state mandates say that all school systems must open school after Labor Day, in part to boost the length of the tourist season, particularly in eastern Virginia.

But in the western part of the state, where severe winter weather causes school closings, many school systems must use spring vacation days to make up for missed days. Those localities can apply for a state waiver allowing them to open before Labor Day.

State waivers are granted to school systems that have closed for bad weather for an average of eight days in five of the past 10 years. Montgomery County meets that requirement, having missed an average of approximately 9.5 days during that time.

Giles, Floyd and Pulaski counties also qualify for the waiver.

by CNB