The state Department of Education has issued waivers for making up some snow days in four school districts: Canon-McMillan, East Allegheny, Penn-Trafford and Philadelphia.

Requests are pending for various from 42 other districts and education agencies, said Leah Harris, spokeswoman for the state Department of Education.

Pittsburgh was listed as one of the districts requesting a waiver, but district spokeswoman Ebony Pugh said the district already has been granted permission to count five professional development days as Act 80 days, which can be used to count toward instructional days. She said the district plans to ask for a sixth.

The department usually does not grant waivers for snow unless there is an accompanying event, such as a power failure. However, Ms. Harris said, "Because of the amount of snow that hit Pennsylvania in the short amount of time, this year we are modifying our exceptions."

She said the department considered a variety of factors, including school days completed, makeup days scheduled, vacation days and graduation dates.

"They had to prove that it was very difficult to have school because of the conditions," she said.

The number of days approved are: Canon-McMillan, three days; East Allegheny, two; Penn-Trafford, two; and Philadelphia, two.

State law requires public schools to provide at least 180 days of instruction unless a waiver is received from the state.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.