**UPDATE ON FRIDAY, JAN 8** As you know, no snow fell last night, and schools will open on time today!

With nary a raindrop falling from the sky, the Fort Mill School District is already putting out the notice that they’ll announce by 6 a.m. whether schools will be open tomorrow, Friday January 8. I was joking earlier today that, given the district propensity to close school when it snows in Atlanta (or even anywhere within an hour’s drive, to be honest), then it’s highly likely schools will be closed tomorrow.

But that’s just me. I could be wrong. And it could always snow tonight, too, justifying the possibility of cancelling school. We’ll see. We’ll be sure to post the info here on ScoopMill if school is cancelled. Sleep well!

Well, here’s the latest from the Fort Mill School District Website:

The South Carolina House and Senate have voted to override a veto from the Governor on a bill that would excuse the use of make-up days for up to three days lost during this school year. The Fort Mill School Board has voted to waive weather make-up days scheduled for Memorial Day and June 8.

Let’s see if it sticks THIS time.

The Fort Mill School District website is reporting that:

The South Carolina House and Senate have agreed on a bill that would excuse the use of makeup days for up to three days lost during this school year. The bill still must be signed by the Governor. The Fort Mill School Board will be asked to consider using this legislation to waive the use of weather makeup days on Memorial Day and June 8.

And with that a rowdy “Huzzah!” erupted from every school-aged child in the land! That is, IF the Governor signs off on it.

A very important meeting is taking place at Nation Ford High School on Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m., and I suggest any parent of school-aged children think about going. Entitled “Working Together for Fort Mill Schools: A Public Forum,” guests include Representatives Deborah Long and Carl Gullick, Senators Robert W. Hayes, Jr. and Michael Mulvaney, as well as Dr. Keith Callicutt, Superintendent for Fort Mill School District.

With the economy tanking, everything is taking a hit – including the way schools are run. Get ready for larger class sizes and hiring freezes at schools. The meeting is open to the public and they will be taking questions from the attendees. Topics already announced include (to name a few): “Funding Schools & Operations,” “State Budget Cuts and Act 388,” “Taxes & the Federal Stimulus Package,” and “Funding Gifted & Talented and Special Ed.”

This meeting is being sponsored by NFHS School Improvement Council and I think it’s a great idea. I’ll certainly be there with open ears! For more info, you can view this PDF made available on the district website.