Thu Feb 05 12:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Memphis Schools Face Potential Calendar Crisis After Inclement Weather Closures
The Story:
Several Memphis-area school districts are grappling with the possibility of exceeding their allotted inclement weather days, raising questions about potential extensions to the school year or waiver requests from the Tennessee Department of Education. As of the afternoon of February 4, 2026, numerous districts had already cancelled school for February 5th, with some approaching their ninth snow day. The state mandates 180 days of classroom instruction, and districts have built-in days to accommodate weather-related closures. However, exceeding these days forces districts to either extend the school year or seek a waiver from the state, a process reserved for significant disruptions.
Key Points:
* Multiple Memphis-area school districts, including Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), and Millington Municipal Schools, have cancelled classes for February 5, 2026.
* Districts have a limited number of stockpile days to account for inclement weather.
* The Tennessee Department of Education requires schools to be in session for 180 days for at least 6.5 hours a day.
* Districts exceeding their stockpile days can either extend the school year or apply for a waiver from the state.
* State waivers are typically granted only for events causing substantial damage or disruption beyond regular inclement weather.
* DeSoto County Schools plans to use President’s Day to make up for lost days.
Critical Analysis:
The historical context provided does not allow for critical analysis. The articles provided reference Fortnite updates, controversy regarding Kid Rock, Russian foreign policy, and Kashmir tourism. None of these provide insight into the events unfolding in Memphis.
Key Takeaways:
* Inclement weather is posing a significant challenge to school calendars in the Memphis area.
* School districts are exploring options to meet state-mandated instructional time requirements.
* The Tennessee Department of Education’s waiver process is a crucial factor in determining how districts will address the lost days.
* Parents and students should anticipate potential changes to the school calendar, either through extended days or a shortened summer break.
Impact Analysis:
The need for potential calendar changes will likely cause disruption to family schedules and childcare arrangements. Additionally, this event could open a discussion of alternative methods to schooling that would allow for more flexibility to account for days where in-person school is not possible.
First Piper 